Member vs. Fellow — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 2, 2024
A member is an individual belonging to a group, organization, or community, often through registration or subscription, while a fellow is a member of a learned society or an academic appointed for a period of research or scholarship.
Difference Between Member and Fellow
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Key Differences
Membership is a broad concept that applies to individuals who join or are part of various types of groups, organizations, or communities. This can range from social clubs and professional associations to online communities. Being a member usually involves certain criteria, such as paying dues, meeting specific qualifications, or simply signing up. Fellowship, on the other hand, denotes a special status within certain professional or academic circles. Fellows are often elected or invited based on their contributions to their field, scholarly excellence, or potential for significant academic achievement.
Members are entitled to the benefits, services, and rights offered by the organization, which vary depending on the organization's nature and purpose. In academic institutions, a fellow might be a student or researcher granted a fellowship, which includes financial support for study or research. In professional societies, being named a fellow can be a recognition of one's contributions to the field or profession.
While all fellows can be considered members of an organization, not all members achieve the distinction of being a fellow. Fellowship is typically a mark of distinction, indicating a high level of achievement or contribution. For example, in a learned society, fellows are often seasoned professionals or scholars who have made significant contributions to their discipline.
The process of becoming a fellow varies significantly from one organization to another but generally involves nomination by peers, a review of the individual's contributions to their field, and sometimes an election among current fellows. This contrasts with general membership, which is usually more straightforward and may only require an application and payment of dues.
Both membership and fellowship offer a sense of belonging and identity within a community, but fellowship carries additional prestige, often accompanied by specific responsibilities, such as contributing to the organization's governance or mentoring within the professional community.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual who belongs to a group, organization, or community.
A member of a learned society or an academic appointed for research or scholarship.
Criteria
Paying dues, meeting qualifications, signing up.
Contributions to the field, scholarly excellence, election by peers.
Benefits
Access to services, rights, and activities of the organization.
Financial support for study or research, recognition of achievement.
Status
General association with an organization.
High level of achievement or contribution, often with added prestige.
Process
Application and payment of dues.
Nomination, review of contributions, sometimes election.
Compare with Definitions
Member
Membership criteria vary by organization.
Membership to the professional association required passing an exam.
Fellow
Represents a high level of achievement and prestige.
Becoming a fellow was a pinnacle achievement in his career.
Member
Enjoys benefits like access to resources and participation in activities.
Members received discounts on all events.
Fellow
Recognition of significant contributions or potential in a field.
The society named her a fellow for her groundbreaking work.
Member
An individual who joins a club, society, or online platform.
She became a member of the local book club.
Fellow
A distinguished position within an academic or professional society.
He was elected as a fellow of the national science academy.
Member
Can apply to a wide range of organizations and communities.
He signed up as a member of the online learning community.
Fellow
Comes with responsibilities like mentoring or governance.
Fellows were expected to contribute to the society's journal.
Member
Represents general participation in a group.
As a member, she could vote in the organization's elections.
Fellow
Often involves a period of research or scholarship with financial support.
She received a fellowship to conduct her postdoctoral research.
Member
One that belongs to a group or organization
A club member.
A bank that is a member of the FDIC.
Fellow
A fellow is a broad concept whose exact meaning depends on context. In learned or professional societies, it refers to a privileged member who is specially elected in recognition of their work and achievements.
Member
An organization that is a member of another organization (especially a state that belongs to a group of nations);
The library was a member of the interlibrary loan association
Canada is a member of the United Nations
Fellow
A person or thing comparable in characteristics with another person or thing; especially, as belonging to the same class or group.
My fellow Americans
Rebecca and her fellow workers are to go on strike.
Fellow
Originally, one of a group of academics who make up a college or similar educational institution; now, a senior member of a college or similar educational institution involved in teaching, research, and management of the institution.
Fellow
A colleague or partner.
Fellow
A companion; a comrade; an associate; a partner; a sharer.
The fellows of his crime.
We are fellows still,Serving alike in sorrow.
That enormous engine was flanked by two fellows almost of equal magnitude.
Common Curiosities
What qualifies someone to be a member of an organization?
Qualifications vary but often include paying dues, meeting specific professional criteria, or simply signing up.
Are fellows always part of academic institutions?
While fellowship is common in academia, professional societies and organizations also grant fellowships to recognize contributions to the field.
How does one become a fellow?
Becoming a fellow typically involves being nominated by peers, demonstrating significant achievements or contributions to the field, and sometimes undergoing an election process.
Do members have the same rights and privileges as fellows?
Members have rights and privileges according to their membership level, but fellows often enjoy additional prestige and specific benefits, such as research funding or special recognition.
Can membership lead to fellowship?
Yes, in many organizations, active and contributing members can be nominated for fellowship as a recognition of their achievements.
Can a fellow also hold other titles within an organization?
Yes, fellows can also hold other titles or positions within an organization, depending on their involvement and the organization's structure.
How does fellowship benefit a professional career?
Fellowship can enhance a professional career by providing recognition, networking opportunities, and sometimes financial support for research or projects.
Is fellowship a permanent status?
In many cases, fellowship is a lifetime honor recognizing an individual's contributions, but terms can vary based on the organization's policies.
What responsibilities do fellows have?
Responsibilities can include contributing to the organization's goals, mentoring younger members, and participating in governance or advisory roles.
Are there different types of membership and fellowship?
Yes, organizations often have various levels of membership and fellowship, each with its own criteria, benefits, and responsibilities.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
