Maybe the tribal identity is muted in good times, when the greater, more complex societal organization offers advancement and the reasonable hope of attaining goals.

But when inequality increases, when a grim determinism seems to hover over all fates, then the tribe is more appealing. So people make them, or draw into them. And tribal allegiance requires demonstration.

Here, students who already suspect they'll get the short end of the stick in the years ahead signal tribal allegiance, as it becomes a growing power in the world. Smart, I guess. But sad if you believe(d) in the complex society.