The "social" Instinctual Subtypes are driven by the ongoing search for groups and community, akin to the herd instinct in animals, where there are safety and security in numbers. The focus of attention is on"the group" and "our greater world." The primary desire is for groups, which is manifested by an imbalanced perceived need for people, recognition, popularity, honor, status, and social acceptance.

The concerns of the social Instinctual Subtypes involve issues of relating - for example, "to relate or not to relate" or "how to relate." The survival strategy is an emphasis on sociability or unsociability. The common theme statements reflect an inclination to categorize oneself in terms of others, such as "who am I?", with this type being defined by "how comfortably and successfully I experience my group" - i.e., issues dealing with "how am I perceived by the group?"

The energy projected is described as "split energy" and is often experienced as "scattered" and projected outward, appearing personable, superficial, and cursory in nature. It is imperative that "a good impression is made" and that "nothing important is missed." The social Instinctual Subtypes will "sacrifice for the group" to insure status. Rather than looking inward or to a mate for security and to "solve problems," these types tend to "look outward," based upon a belief that "my value is dependent upon how I am perceived by the group."