Social Groups Gul e Nayab Social Groups Social

Social Groups Gul e Nayab

Social Groups � Social groups consists of a number of people who have a common identity, some feeling of unity, and a certain common goals and shared norms. � According to Maclver , "Social group is any collection of human beings who are brought into human relationships with one another. “ � Social organization or social institution is a group of social positions, connected by social relations, performing a social role. It can be also defined in a narrow sense as any institution in a society that works to socialize the groups or people in it.

� Social Aggregates a set of people who are in one area. Example : People who are riding in a bus. � Social Category a set of people who are share common characteristics. Example : DPT students in NCS. � Social statistics is just referring to a numbered categorization of individuals. Example : 10 top students in Board exam

Characteristics of Group Collection of individuals Interaction among members Mutual awareness We-feeling Group unity and solidarity Common interests Group norms Similar behaviour Size of the group Groups are dynamic

Characteristics of Group 1. Collection of individuals: Ø Social group consists of people. Ø Without individuals there can be no group. Ø Just as we cannot have a college or a university without students and teachers we cannot have a group in the absence of people.

Characteristics of Group 2. Interaction among members Ø Social interaction is the very basis of group life. Ø Hence, mere collection of individuals does not make a group. Ø The members must have interaction. Ø A social group is, in fact, a system of social interaction. Ø The limits of social groups are marked by the limits of social interaction.

Characteristics of Group 3. Mutual awareness: Ø Group life involves mutual awareness. Ø Group members are aware of one another and their behavior is determined by this mutual recognition. Ø This may be due to what Giddings calls, "Consciousness of kind". Ø In Giddings’s view, consciousness of kind fostered a homogeneous society and resulted from the interaction of individuals and their exposure to common stimuli.

Characteristics of Group 4. We-feeling: Ø We feeling refers to the tendency on the part of the members to identify themselves with the groups. Ø It represents group unity. Ø We feeling creates sympathy and fosters co operation among members

Characteristics of Social Group 5. Group unity and solidarity: Ø Group members are tied by a sense of unity. Ø The solidarity or integration of a group is largely depends upon the frequency, the variety, and the emotional quality of the interactions of its members.

Characteristics of Social Group 6. Common interests: Ø The interests and ideals of groups are common. Ø In fact people not only join groups but also form groups for the realization of their objectives or interests. Ø Form of the groups differ depending upon the common interests of the group. Ø Hence, there are political groups, religious groups, economic groups etc.

Characteristics of Social Group 7. Group norms: Ø Every group has its own rules and norms which the members are supposed to follow. Ø These norms may be in the form of customs, folkways, mores, traditions, conventions, laws etc. Ø They may be written or unwritten norms or standards.

Characteristics of Group 8. Similar behaviour: Ø The members of group behave in more or less similar way for the pursuit of common interests. Ø Social groups behaviour. represent collective

Characteristics of Group 9. Size of the group: Ø Every group involves an idea of size. Ø A group may be as small as that of 'two members group’ e. g. teacher & student or as big as that of a political party having lakhs of members. Ø Size will have its own impact on the character of the group.

Characteristics of Group 10. Groups are dynamic: Ø Social groups are not static but dynamic. Ø They are subject to changes whether slow or rapid. Ø Old members die and new members are born. Ø Whether due to internal or external pressures or forces, groups undergo changes.

Group Size and Relationships � Dyad group composed of two people (one relationship). � Triad groups composed of three people (three relationships). �A group of four (six relationships). �A group of five (ten relationships).

Function of Groups Defining Boundaries Choosing Leaders Making Decisions Setting Goals Assigning Tasks Controlling Members

Functions of group 1. Defining Boundaries: To identify who are members of a group, some sort of devices must be used to mark the boundaries. 2. Choosing Leader: Groups by nature must resolve the issue of leadership. A leader according to Tischler is someone who occupies central role or position of dominance and influence in a group.

Functions of group 3. Making Decision Ø among foraging societies, decisions are made by involving everyone in the community. Ø Among modern societies, avoid wasting precious time and energy, group use the less participative but popularly known voting to determine the decision of the group.

Functions of group 4. Setting Goals Ø All groups must have a goals. Ø A goal may be too general, such as protecting the environment or too narrow like getting to the resort. Ø Goals change overtime depending on the challenges faced by the group.

g Functions of group 5. leadership are all important functions of groups but these are of no significance unless tasks are assigned to each member to perform. 6. Controlling Members behavior group members behavior must be controlled for the group to continuously. This is the reason why deviant behaviors of members of the group are considered dangerous and threatening.

Classification of Groups � According to the nature of social ties: 1. Primary ( family, neighbor ) 2. Secondary � According to social identification: 1. In groups 2. Out groups 3. Reference

Primary Group � Primary group are small in size and characterized by personal, intimate and non specialized relationship between their members. � Examples of Primary Group ØFamily ØBasketball Team ØFriends

Some Elements of Primary Group � Tend to be small and ordinarily composed of fewer than 15 to 20 individuals. � Interaction and communication among members in a primary group tend to of an intimate of personal nature. � Members commonly develop strong emotional bonds with other members. � Generally persist over extensive period of time

Secondary Group � Secondary groups refer to a formal, impersonal group in which there is little social intimacy or mutual understanding. � Sullivan(2004) considered secondary groups as based on task oriented, impersonal and specialized ties with people, they maybe small, but often large. � Examples of secondary group ØSociology class ØBusiness organization ØPolitical parties ØLabor union

Characteristics Large Size Definite Aims Voluntary Membership Formal, Indirect and Impersonal Relation Active and Inactive Members Secondary Group Formal Rules Status of an individual depends on his role Individuality in Person Self-dependence among Members Dissimilar Ends Division of Labor

Characteristics of Secondary Group 1. Large Size: Ø Secondary groups are large in size. Ø They comprise of a large number of members and these members may spread all over the world. For example, the Red Cross Society, it’s members scattered all over the world. Because of this large size indirect relations found among the members.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 2. Definite Aims: Ø Secondary groups are formed to fulfill some definite’ aims. Ø The success of a secondary group is judged according to the extent by which it became able to fulfill those aims. Ø A school, college or university is opened to provide education.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 3. Voluntary Membership: Ø The membership of a secondary group is voluntary in nature. Ø Whether one will be a member of a secondary group or not it depends on his own volition. Ø No one can compel him to be a member of any secondary group. Ø It is not essential that one should be a member of a particular political party.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 4. Formal, Indirect and Impersonal Relation: Ø The relations among the members of a secondary group are indirect, formal and impersonal type. Ø People do not develop personal relations among themselves. Ø Relations in a secondary group are not face to face rather touch and go type and casual.

Ø They interact among themselves in accordance with formal rules and regulations. Ø Because of large size it is not possible to establish direct relations among themselves; one is not directly concerned with the other aspects of his fellow’s life. Ø Contact and relation among member are mainly indirect.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 5. Active and Inactive Members: Ø In a secondary group we found both active as well as inactive members. Ø Some members became more active while others remain inactive. Ø This is due to the absence of intimate and personal relations among the members. Ø For example in a political party some members do not take active interest while some others take active interest in party work.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 6. Formal Rules: Ø A secondary group is characterized by formal or written rules. Ø These formal rules and regulations exercises control over its members. Ø A formal authority is set up and a clear cut division of labor is made. Ø He who do not obey these formal rules and regulations losses his membership.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 7. Status of an individual depends on his role : ØIt is another important characteristic of a secondary group. ØBecause in a secondary group the status and position of each and every member depends on his role that he plays in the group. ØBirth or Personal qualities do not decide one’s status in a secondary group.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 8. Individuality in Person: ØSecondary group is popularly known as ‘special interest groups’. ØBecause people became member of secondary group to fulfill their self interest. Hence they always give stress on the fulfillment of their self interests. ØAfter fulfillment of these interests they are no longer interested in the group. As a result in secondary group individuality in person is found.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 9. Self-dependence among Members: ØSelf dependency among members is another important characteristic of a secondary group. ØBecause of the large size of the secondary group the relations among the members are indirect and impersonal. Members are also selfish. ØAs a result each member tries to safeguard and fulfill his own interests

Characteristics of Secondary Group 10. Dissimilar Ends: Ø Secondary group is characterized by dissimilar ends. Ø The members of a secondary group have different and diverse ends. Ø To fulfill their diverse ends people join in a secondary group.

Characteristics of Secondary Group 11. Division of Labor: Ø A secondary group is characterized by division of labor. Ø The duties, functions and responsibilities of members are clearly defined. Ø Each member has to perform his allotted functions.

Different between Primary and Secondary Group Difference in Meaning Difference in Size Difference in Stability Difference in Co-operation Difference in Structure Difference in Relationships Difference in the method of social control Difference in Goal Difference in effect on Personality Differences in Physical Closeness

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 1. Difference in Meaning : ØPrimary group is the nucleus of all social organizations. ØIt is characterized by intimate face to face association and co operation. Ø Family, playgroup and neighborhood are the example of primary group.

ØBut secondary groups are large scale groups in which the relationships are relatively casual, impersonal and competitive. ØThey are consciously formed to fulfill some common goals or objectives

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 2. Difference in Size: Ø A primary group is very small in size and is confined to a small area. Because it consists of very small number of individuals. Ø But the size of a secondary group is very large and it is spread all over the world. Because it consists of thousands of members who is widespread and scattered all over the world.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 3. Difference in Stability: Ø Primary groups are relatively stable or durable. Ø For example family is a stable organization. Ø But a secondary group may be temporary or permanent. These are temporary groups like flood relief association. Ø As secondary groups are special interest groups after the fulfillment of the interest it automatically vanishes.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 4. Difference in Co-operation: Ø The nature of co operation in a primary and secondary group also differs from each other. Ø The members of a primary group directly co operate with each other. They play, sit and discuss together.

Ø Because of face to face contact and personal relationships direct co operation among members is possible. Ø But the members of a secondary group indirectly co operatewith each other. Because there exists indirect relations among the members.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 5. Difference in Structure: ØAccording to the type of structure both primary and secondary group can be distinguished from each other. ØPrimary group is based on an informal structure and is very simple. ØAll the members participate in the same process and it is regulated by informal rules and regulations. ØOn the other hand secondary group is based on formal structure and is regulated by a set of formal rules and regulations.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 6. Difference in Relationships: ØA great deal of differences is found in the relationships among the members of a primary and secondary group. ØThere exist direct, intimate and personal relationships among the members of a primary group. ØThe relations are all inclusive because primary group is relationship directed. ØBut there exists indirect and impersonal relations among the members of a secondary group. Here relations are secondary and formal.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 7. Difference in the method of social control: ØBoth primary and secondary group can be distinguished from each other on the basis of the means by which they exercises control over their members. ØPrimary group exercises controls over its members through informal means such as customs, folkways, mores etc. Secondary group have limited control over its members. ØBut secondary group control the behavior of its members through formal means such as police, jail, court, law etc.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 8. Difference in Goal: ØMembers of a primary group have similar or common aims and objectives. ØGoal of a particular member is considered as the goal of all other members. ØBut in a secondary group member have different goals. Each individual has his own goals or aims for the fulfillment of which he joins in the group.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 9. Difference in effect on Personality: ØBoth primary and secondary group can be distinguished from each other on the degree by which they affect or determine the personality of an individual. ØPrimary group has a greater influence on the development of personality. It influences the total personality of an individual.

ØBut secondary group has a little influence on the development of personality of an individual. ØIt is mainly concerned with a particular aspect of the personality of an individual.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Group 10. Differences in Physical Closeness: Ø Both primary and secondary group may be distinguished from each other on the grounds of physical nearness. Ø Members of a primary group live in physical proximity to each other. Ø There exits face –to face relations among the member.

In Groups (We-Group) � Famous Sociologist William Graham Sumner has classified groups on the basis of we feeling into two broad categories such as in group and out group. � The individual belongs to a number of groups which is considered as his in groups. � In groups are the groups with which an individual identifies himself completely. � Member of in group has feelings of attachment, sympathy and affection towards the other members of these groups.

Characteristics of In-Group Ethnocentrism Similar Behaviour We-feeling Sense of Unity Love, Sympathy and fellowfeeling

Characteristics of In-Group 1. Ethnocentrism: ØAccording to Sumner, ethnocentrism is one of the most important characteristic of in group. ØHe opines ethnocentrism is that view of things in which one’s own group is the centre of everything and others are scaled with reference to it. ØBecause of this feeling the members of in group consider their group superior than other groups. ØIt is really the sentiment of patriotism. ØBy this primordial feeling an individual identify himself with the group.

Characteristics of In-Group 2. Similar Behaviour: Ø It is another characteristic of in group. Ø Members of in group always show similar behaviour and they are similar in many respects. Ø They show similar attitude, opinion and similar reactions.

Characteristics of In-Group 3. We-feeling: ØWe feeling is another important characteristic of in group. ØMembers of in group have a strong sense of a we feeling by which they identify themselves and distinguish them from others. ØThis shows a strong sense of unity among themselves.

Characteristics of In-Group 4. Sense of Unity: Ø It is another characteristic of in group. Ø Members of in group are united by a strong sense of unity. Ø grouping creates a strong sense of unity or living together among the members of in group. Ø As a result of this members consider them as one and united.

Characteristics of In-Group 5. Love, Sympathy and fellow-feeling: Ø This is another important characteristic of in group. Ø Good human qualities like love, sacrifice, sympathy, mutual help and fellow feeling develop only in a in group. Ø These human qualities govern the relationship among the members.

Out-group � Out group is a group or category to which people feel they do not belong. � Out group is the opposite of in group. � An out group is always defined by an individual with reference to his in group. � Out groups are marked by a sense of difference and frequently, though not always, by some degree of antagonism.

� In other words out groups are those to which a person does not belong. � Out group people used the term they or other to express themselves. � Out group refers to a group of persons towards which we feel a sense of avoidance, dislike and competition. For example for an Indian , India is his in group but China is an out group for him.

� We feel a sense of indifference towards the members of out group.

The Characteristics of Out-group: � Like in group out group is also found in all societies. Out group have the following characteristics: 1) Out group is always defined in relation to in group. Dissimilar behavior is marked between the member of in group and out group. 2) Out group identify itself with the help of’ they’ or other feeling. Individual is not a member of this group. Hence this kind of feeling develops among them.

3) Individual expresses a feeling of antagonism or enmity towards out group. Sometimes individual consider out group as his enemy. 4) Individual always expresses or shows negative attitude towards the out group. As a result he do not identify himself with the out group. 5) Out group is not based on ethnocentrism.

Reference Group Reference group is a group that people use as a standard in evaluating or understanding themselves, their attitudes, and their behavior

Characteristics of Reference Group Reference groups are the conceptual groups not the actual groups, because these are non membership groups. 2. Anticipatory socialization is another basic element of reference group. In order to get a membership in the reference group the individuals undergo the process of socialization that is, take on the values and lifestyles of the group to which they would like to belong in future. 1.

3. Similarly the low caste Hindus irritate in an anticipation that they would be included in the high castes. 4. Reference group need not remain the same forever. 5. An individual may change his reference groups as he takes on different statuses in life.

6. Reference groups are not that much significant in simple societies as they are in modern societies. 7. In modern complex societies reference groups are abundant. 8. In reference group behaviour one relates oneself to the other individuals or groups and tries to adopt their values and standards.

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