Social
Groups
Groups
Social groups are
everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems
to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social
groups. A social group consists
of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and
common identity. In other words, it’s a group of people who see each other
frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases,
we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example,
you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class,
workplace, and more.
everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems
to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social
groups. A social group consists
of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and
common identity. In other words, it’s a group of people who see each other
frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases,
we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example,
you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class,
workplace, and more.
Primary
Groups
Groups
No two groups are created
equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists
differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson,
we’ll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are
close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and
are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal
identity with the group.
equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists
differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson,
we’ll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are
close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and
are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal
identity with the group.
Secondary
Groups
Groups
Secondary groups are another type of social group. They have the
opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are
mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at
work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to
plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and
for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar
interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the
relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the
members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in
a limited context; they won’t necessarily remain close beyond the holiday
party.
opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are
mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at
work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to
plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and
for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar
interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the
relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the
members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in
a limited context; they won’t necessarily remain close beyond the holiday
party.
