Characteristics of groups, groups vs society, groups vs community, functions of groups, role of social groups in Agricultural Extension

1. Chapter 8
Characteristics of groups, groups vs society, groups vs community, functions of
groups, role of social groups in Agricultural Extension

2. Introduction
• Man’s life is largely a group life.
• Individuals belong to multiple groups.
• Groups shape behaviour and personality.
• Some groups are chosen, some are assigned at birth.
Example: A farmer belongs to family, village, SHG, cooperative.

3. Meaning of Social
Group
A social group consists of two
or more persons.
• Members interact regularly.
• They share common goals or
interests.
• Groups help individuals
achieve common objectives.

4. Characteristics of
Social Group: Size
• Minimum two members.
• Ideal size: 15–20 members.
• Larger groups are difficult to
manage.
Example: 15-member SHG
works efficiently.

5. Characteristics:
Goals
• Common purpose binds
members.
• Provides direction and focus.
• Encourages cohesion and
commitment.
Example: Farmer group formed
for better marketing.

6. Characteristics:
Norms
• Written or unwritten rules.
• Control members’ behaviour.
• Violation leads to
punishment.
• Maintain unity and
discipline.

7. Characteristics:
Structure
• Defined hierarchy and authority.
• Clear division of responsibilities.
• Reduces confusion.
Example: President, Secretary,
Treasurer.

8. Characteristics:
Roles
• Each member has assigned
duties.
• Roles decided by group leader.
• Ensures efficiency.
Example: One member handles
accounts.

9. Characteristics:
Interaction
• Regular communication is
essential.
• Exchange of ideas and
decisions.
• Builds cooperation.
Example: Farmers’ meetings.

10. Collective Identity
A group is an aggregation of individuals, which are
separately called as members, and collectively called as a
group.
• Creates 'we-feeling'.
• Promotes 'unity'.
• Example: Organic farmers group.

11. Meaning of Society
• Large social system.
• Shared culture and institutions.
• People may not know each other personally.
Example: Indian society.

12. Aspect Group Society
Meaning
A group is a collection of individuals who interact
with each other and share common interests or
goals.
Society is a large, organized system of people living
together with shared culture, institutions, and social
norms.
Size Small in size; usually limited number of members. Very large; includes a vast population.
Interaction Direct and face-to-face interaction is essential.
Interaction is mostly indirect and mediated through
institutions.
Purpose
Formed to achieve specific goals or satisfy
particular needs.
Exists to fulfill overall social, economic, political, and
cultural needs.
Structure
Simple and clearly defined structure with specific
roles.
Complex structure with many institutions (family,
government, economy, education).
Duration May be temporary or permanent depending on
goals.
Permanent and continuous in nature.
Scope Limited scope; focuses on particular interests. Very wide scope; covers all aspects of human life.
Membership Membership is often voluntary. Membership is usually by birth.
Control Control is through group norms and leaders.
Control is through laws, customs, traditions, and
institutions.
Dependency A group exists within society. Society exists independently of any single group.

13. Aspect Group Community
Meaning
A group is a collection of individuals who
interact with each other to achieve specific
common goals or interests.
A community is a larger social unit where people live
together in a particular area and share common culture,
values, and way of life.
Size Generally small in size. Comparatively large in size.
Basis of Formation Formed on the basis of interest, occupation,
or purpose.
Formed mainly on the basis of geographical area and
common living.
Purpose Goal-oriented and need-based.
Concerned with overall social, cultural, and emotional
life.
Duration May be temporary or permanent. Mostly permanent and continuous.
Interaction Interaction is frequent and usually face-to-
face.
Interaction may be frequent or occasional, direct or
indirect.
Membership Usually voluntary. Generally compulsory (by birth or residence).
Structure
Has a simple and well-defined structure with
specific roles.
Has a broad and complex structure without fixed roles.
Emotional Bond Emotional attachment is limited to the group
purpose.
Strong emotional bonds and sense of belonging.
Scope
Limited scope; concerned with specific
activities. Wide scope; covers all aspects of life.
Control Controlled by group norms and leaders. Controlled by customs, traditions, and social institutions.

14. Functions of Groups
Socialization
Support and
Security
Goal
Achievement
Social
Control
Identity
Formation
Conflict
Resolution
Cultural
Preservation

15. Socialization
Function
• Learning norms and
values.
• Cultural transmission.
Example: Family teaching
farming practices.

16. Support and
Security
• Provide emotional, social,
and financial support to
their members.
• Group members create a
sense of security.
Example: SHG emergency
loans.

17. Goal
Achievement
• Help individuals achieve
common goals that they
could not accomplish
alone.
Example: Cooperative
marketing.

18. Social Control
• Groups help enforce
social norms by
encouraging conformity
and punishing deviance
• Maintains discipline.
Example: Village rules
enforcement.

19. Identity
Formation
• Groups play a critical role in the
formation of individual
identities.
• Social groups often provide
people with a sense of
belonging and help to shape
their self-concept.
Example: Progressive farmer
identity.

20. Conflict
Resolution
• Groups often help manage and
resolve conflicts that arise within
or between individuals.
• Through mediation, negotiation,
or direct intervention, social
groups can help maintain
harmony
Example: Water dispute resolution.

21. Cultural
Preservation
• Groups preserve and
transmit cultural values,
traditions, and practices
across generations
• Maintain cultural
continuity within a
society.

22. Role of Social Groups in Agricultural Extension
Knowledge Dissemination & Peer
Learning
• Farmers’ groups & cooperatives
deliver extension
• Peer learning builds trust
Example: Lead farmer demonstrations
Community Support for Change
• Group approval encourages adoption
• Reduces risk
Example: Group-based drip irrigation
Collective Action & Problem Solving
• Joint solutions for water, pests,
marketing
• Resource sharing
Mobilization of Resources
• Mobilizes finance & manpower
• Access to credit & schemes
Example: SHG bank loans
Social groups make agricultural extension participatory, effective, and sustainable.