joiners

[Altitude]

Why do people join clubs and associations, and play membership fees

[woofgang]

Because they want to ???

[templeman]

Maybe I'm missing something in your question, but I think it is best answered with another question. Why do people go on holiday, read books, watch television, have their ears pierced. visit zoos etc ? I'm sure that many people have many different reasons for doing any of these things.

[andy hughes]

A feeling of belonging is a natrual human charicteristic. People like to mix with others who share an interest, and maybe broader views and opinions. Joining an actuial club or society is a badge of 'membership' in its truest sense - of belonging to a social group, and people dervie pleasure from that feeling of belonging over and above the activity they share. They are usually happy to contribute towards costs for equipment, premises, and similar overheads - it increases the sharing atmosphere.

[woodpam]

IMO to enjoy the activity or interest they have signed up for and to enjoy the company of like minded people with whom they can share ideas and be sociable.

[bazwillrun]

one reason that hasn't been mentioned so far is to get better at something. If you want to become a better runner for instance, you join a running club to benefit from the experience of better and more experienced runners

[mikewith]

In order to enjoy the benefits of membership, whatever they may be.

[Lennon]

I would say to be with like minded people. Some people have a hobby or interest thats not always shared by their friends/partner/parents or whoever and those people may not want to hear about it or may just not understand it. People then feel in their element to join somewhere where there feelings are similar to others.