Basking in Reflected Glory - Controversies

Controversies

There are no real controversies involved with BIRGing because most psychologists hold this theory to be true because of the research that has been done and the evidence that has been found. Perhaps the only slight controversy is how to define and operatonalize basking in reflected glory (discussed in "Major Theoretical Approaches"). Because examples of BIRGing are so different and unique, there is no set criterion. A classical definition of BIRGing describes it as a subjective feeling possessed by one individual who seeks to gain acceptance or respect by associating themselves with the successes of others, but in recent year, advances in technology (among other domains) have challenged this classic definition. With modern technology people are not only associating with people, but with companies, brands, and organizations. This ability to associate with more than just people to gain status has created the need for a new definition of basking in reflected glory.