2. Introduction
□ Social group is a basic social unit when
two or more persons interacting with each
other, interrelationships are directed
towards fulfilment of certain common goals
or purposes.
3. Definition
□ 'It is system of social interaction‘
-HM Johnson
□ Any collection of human beings who are establishing
human relationships with one to another‘
-Maciver RM and Page
□ Two or more individuals come together and influence one
another
-Ogburn and Nimkoff
4. Definition
□ 'Two or more individuals who have common objects of
attention, stimulating to each other, who have common
loyalty and participate in similar activities‘
-ES Bogardus
5. Characteristics of Group Life
1-Reciprocal Relations.
2-Sense of unity.
3-We felling.
4-Common Interests.
5-Group Norms
6-Collection of Individuals
7-Group Size
8-Groups are Dynamic
9-Stability
6. Characteristics of Group Life
Reciprocal Relations:
• A gathering of persons from a social group only when
they are interrelated.
• Reciprocal relations is an essential feature of a group.
We felling:
• Members of a group help each other and defend their
interests collectively.
Sense of Unity:
• Members of a group are united by a sense of unity and a
felling of sympathy.
7. Characteristics of Group Life
Common interests:
• Interests and ideals of a group are common.
• It is for the realization of common interests that they meet
together.
Group Norms:
• Every group has its own rules or norms which the
members are supposed to follow.
Collection of Individual:
• A group cannot be formed without the gathering of
individuals.
8. Characteristics of Group Life
Group Size:
• Size of group varies from smaller to a bigger size.
Groups are Dynamic:
• Social groups are not static but dynamic in nature.
• Group are subject to change according to changing needs
and pressures from within or outside.
Stability:
• Most of the groups are permanent and stable in nature.
9. Classification of Groups
There is an extraordinarily large number of
groups and there is a great diversity among
them. Groups vary in size. The number of
groups in every society is countless
countless; It surpasses the number of
individuals because each individual belongs
to more than one group . Various sociologists
have considered different bases for
classifying groups.
10. Classification by Miller &
PA Sorokin
□ According to Miller and P A Sorokin, social groups are
divided into two major types:
Vertical and Horizontal
1. Vertical: Vertical groups are large inclusive inclusive
groups, such as Nations, Religious Organizations,
Political Parties etc.
2. Horizontal: Horizontal groups are smaller divisions such
as economic classes which give the individual the
status and rank in society.
11. Classification by WB Sumner
and Kellerr
According to WB Sumner and Keller, social groups are
divided into two major types:
In Group and Out Group
1. The groups with which the individual identifies himself
are his in groups for instance, his family, friends and
peers etc.
2. The groups to which the individual does not belong. For
instance, other sex, others’ families, other Nations etc
are Secondary Groups.
12. Classification by C.H. Cooley
According to Sumner, social groups are divided into two
major types:
Primary and Secondary Groups
1. The groups characterized characterized by intimate
face – to-face association and cooperation are primary
groups. For instance, family, friends etc.
2. . On the contrary, secondary groups are less intimate,
personal and inclusive. It involves indirect interaction.
For instance, one’s work place
13. OtherClassification
□ According to Gidden’s, social groups are divided into two
major types:
Public and Private
□ According to Elwood, social groups are divided into two
major types:
Sanctioned and Unsanctioned
□ According to Charles Elwoods, social groups are divided
into two major types:
Voluntary and Involuntary
14. Characteristics of Primary
Group
□ Physical Proximity: The members of a group share
close relationship and they have intimate contact with
each other.
□ Small in size
□ Stability in nature: Stability promotes closeness.
□ Continuity in relationship: By meeting frequently and by
exchanging thoughts, intimacy increases.
□ Common commitments among members
□ Maximum control over group members: Family
members control over family affairs.
15. Importance of Primary Group
□ To develop the personality
□ The efficiency of members increases and persons of the
group get help, inspiration and cooperation from one
another.
□ Satisfaction of total needs of the individuals: Primary
groups help fulfilling physical, emotional, psychological,
social and spiritual of the individual.
□ Group members provide love, security, belongingness
and companionship to one another.
□ Socialization process initiates within the primary group.
16. Characteristics of Secondary
Group
1. Position of a member depends upon their role and
status.
2. Individuality develops in the persons because their
relations are based on self-interest.
3. Self-dependence among members.
4. It is large in size.
5. No physical closeness.
6. Formed for some purpose purpose after attaining
attaining that it may dismantle.
17. Characteristics of Secondary
Group
7. Group cannot exercise control to that extent
due to large size.
8. Lacks stability and personal relationships.
9. Has limited acquaintance and responsibility.
10. Members play active and passive roles
11. Possibility of development in individualism
12. It is formed with definite objective, its function
is not spontaneous
18. Importance of Secondary
Groups
□ The needs are satisfied in the group with the advance of
technology and associated with social change.
□ This group satisfies the changing needs of society and
individual.
□ Rules formed by the group, will increase increase the
efficiency of the work.
□ Delegation of the authority, coordination and planning of
the activities will be implemented.
□ Secondary groups accommodate large number of
members/localities which widens the outlook of groups.
19. Conclusion
Therefore we can say that a social group is
any number of people who share common
goals and/or beliefs. A true group exhibits
some degree of social cohesion and is more
than a simple collection collection or
aggregate aggregate of individuals,
individuals, such as people waiting at a bus
stop, or people waiting in a line.
Characteristics shared by members of a
group may include interests, values,
representations, ethnic or social background.
