SOCIAL GROUP.pptx- introduction, definition, classification and characteristics of social groups

Social groups is a collection of two or more individuals who influence one another.

1. Social group By: Saumya yadav Nursing tutor

2. Introduction Group life is a nature’s boon. Living in groups is a natural phenomenon. Birds, animals, insects and humans live in groups. No man normally lives alone. Man does not live in isolation for a long time. The great Greek Philosopher-Aristotle said long back that man is a social animal. Individuals become humans only in social groups.

3. Definition Maclver and page: “Social group is a collection of human Individuals who are brought into reciprocal relationship.” Ogburn and nimkoff : “Social group is a collection of two or more individuals who influence one another.”

4. Characteristics of social group Important characteristics of social groups are as follows: Collection of individuals : social group consists of persons. Without individuals there can be no group. Common interest : Groups are established mainly because of common interest. Group fulfills the aims and interests of person. Thus, interests and ideas are common in a group.

5. Sense of unity : The members of a group are related by a sense of unity and help each other. Group norms : Each and every group has its own rules and regulations. All the members should obey and follow the rules of their groups. Mutual awareness: Members in a group should have mutual awareness. Group life involves mutual recognition. Reciprocal relation : It means meaningful interaction among the members of the group. The individuals interact each other.

6. Size of the group : Groups may be small in size, as that of dyad. Groups may be big in size as that of political party, state, industry, etc. Groups are dynamic : Social groups undergo changes. Some groups changes rapidly and the others slowly. Hence groups are dynamic. Stability : Groups may be permanent or temporary in nature. Some groups like the crowd, mob and audience are temporary. But many groups such as family, university, state are relatively permanent and stable in nature.

7. Classification of social group Society consists of different types of groups. Sociologists classified groups in different ways. Some of the important classifications of social groups are as follows : Ch cooley’s classification: 1. Primary group 2. Secondary group

8. Primary group : This is also known as “face-to-face group.” Primary groups are those, which consists of persons who are having close and personal relationship with the other members of the groups Usually primary groups consist of lesser number of persons For example: Family, neighbourhood, classmates, playgroups village, etc.

9. Characteristics of primary group: intimacy and face to face relationship Small in size Stable group Shared interest

10. Secondary group: This is also known as “ special interest group”. Secondary group is defined as a collection of persons who are having secondary relationships. Secondary group consists of large number of persons as the members. For example, industries, political parties, etc.

11. Characteristics of secondary group: Indirect relationship Large in size Membership is voluntary Indirect communication

12. Difference between primary and secondary groups PRIMARY GROUP SECONDARY GROUP Small in size Large in size Limited to large area Spread in large area Durable Temporary Natural relationship Artificial relationship Universal Non universal

13. PRIMARY GROUP SECONDARY GROUP Deep we feeling among the members No we feeling Made of mostly blood relatives Blood relatives are not involved The control is internal The control is external

14. Wg stunner’s classification : 1. in- group 2. Out- group in- group: It is a group to which a person belongs and with which the person feels a sense of identity. It is also called ‘we groups’. For example: family, caste, religion, occupation, etc. Out- group: it is a group to which a person does not belong and toward which the person may feel a sense of competitiveness. It is also known as ‘they groups’. For example: neighbour.

15. voluntary groups: It is one in which a person joins on his own will or interest. He agrees to be a member of the group and he is free to withdraw from its membership at any time. For example, political party trade union, etc. Involuntary groups: It is one which a person whether interested or not, compulsorily becomes the member of the group. Involuntary groups are also known as compulsory groups. For example, family, caste, community, state, etc. CA ELLWOOD’S CLASSIFICATION:

16. Institutional groups: It is mostly permanent in nature. For example, Church, state, school, Etc. Non institutional groups: It is temporary in nature. For example, crowd, audience, etc. Permanent groups: It is permanent in nature and the members are having long enduring relationships. For example, family, state, college, church, etc. Temporary groups: It is temporary in nature and the members are having temporary relations. For example, crowd, mob, political party, etc.

17. Pa Sorokin's classification: Horizontal groups: They are large in size. For example, nation, political parties, international organization, etc. Vertical groups: They are small in size. For example, family, peer groups neighbourhood, etc.