I think the distinction is that the "in crowd" is the "popular" kids for whom bullying is a primary way of maintaining dominance. The opposite of "in" is generally the "nerds" who don't mind being dorks because they are really into something of substance.

I don't really know what you mean by "collective cultures" though. You'd think democracy would be that way but hey, it's more like fascism, at least here. I'm confused. Tell me more?