This document discusses different types of groups within society and their functions. It defines primary groups as small, intimate groups with personal interactions over long periods of time, while secondary groups are impersonal and temporary with people defined by their functions. Reference groups influence individuals' attitudes and values. In-groups are those an individual belongs to and identifies with, competing with out-groups. Groups must define boundaries, select leaders, and set goals and tasks to control members' behavior.

1. Chapter 4, Section 4 Groups within Society Goals and Objectives: Understand major features of primary and secondary groups Identify the purposes that groups fulfill

2. What is a Group? Must consist of two or more people Must be interaction among members Members must have shared expectations Members must possess sense of common identity

3. How do groups differ? Size: dyad -group with two members; triad -group with three members -in which group is it easier to make decisions? -magic number 15? What size is able to make decisions with most ease? Time: not continuous…should it be? 3) Organization: formal group -structure, goals, activities clearly defined; informal group -no official structure or established rules of conduct

4. Types of Groups Primary Group - small group of people who interact over a long period of time on a direct and personal basis; relationships often intimate and face-to-face; communication deep and intense; structure is informal Secondary Group - small group in which interaction is impersonal and temporary in nature; reaction to part of individual’s self; person’s importance lies in function he or she performs; individual can be replaced easily; generally organized around specific goals: factory, political party, classroom

5. 3)Reference Group - any group with whom individuals identify and whose attitudes and values they adopt; groups of friends, school clubs, cliques… 4)In-Group - the group that a person belongs to and identifies with; tend to separate themselves from other groups, view selves positively, compete with out-groups 5)Out-Group - any group that the person does not belong to or identifies with 6)E-communities - people interact primarily via Internet; characteristics of “real-life” relationships, only on-line 7) Social Networks - both direct and indirect relationships; no clear boundaries, yet provide feeling of community; knowing “right” person can be important

6. Group Functions Groups must define boundaries. How: symbols, uniforms, dress, gestures, signals, handshakes, language, etc… Groups must select leaders. How: various methods - by board of directors, based on ability, elections…which is most effective? -two types of leaders: 1) instrumental - task-oriented 2) expressive - emotion-oriented Groups must set goals, make decisions, assign tasks, control members’ behavior