Social Groups and Institution social stud

Social

1. SOCIAL GROUPS A child is later on influenced by people outside the family circle and by the society in which it lives. Our society is made up of many social groups in which we are all members of. Our social groups have a strong influence on our social development because our behaviour is influenced by their norms and values. Norms are unwritten rules of standards which a group or society has established; to regulate how its members are to behave in particular situations. Social groups are important to a society because they help to promote social control. Social groups vary in size, structure and purpose. Some social groups called institutions have been made/form specifically to meet the society’s basic needs. Since we are interdependent we have to depend on individuals in other social groups to satisfy basic needs.

2. Organization of society Groups are the basic unit of organization in society. A group is made up of two or more persons engaged in any type of active/working relationship with each other. Society is a group of people held together by a common culture. Culture is the way of life for people. The beliefs and customs are shared by a group of people. A Social Group is two or more people who: 1.interact frequently. 2.share common interests 3.share a feeling of unity or a ‘we’ feeling. 4.work together towards achieving or common goal/objective or purpose. 5.expect each other to behave according to a pattern, which they have established over a period of time Examples of a social group:- 1. Parent Teacher Association 2. A class of students.

3. EXTRA NOTES ON GROUP/ SOCIAL GROUPS

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUPS Common goals:- for example, in a cricket team a goal would be to play good cricket and score many runs. Clearly defined status:- for example, in a school there are normally a principle, vice principle, teachers and pupil. Common symbols:- for example, the Boy Scouts movement has a uniform, badges and a pledge. Established ritual and behaviour:- for example, there are rules and regulations that govern behaviour in a religious group or sports group. Membership may be voluntary or involuntary:- for example, some societies have compulsory military service, while in some countries it is a matter of choice.

5. FUNCTIONS OF GROUPS Human beings need and like the company of others. Groups arise out of needs and interests. Some of these basic needs and interests are: 1. Survival 2. Security 3. A sense of belonging and companionship 4. Shared experiences that may be passed on to others

6. TYPES OF GROUPs 1. Primary groups:- A primary group is one in which the relationship takes place on a face- to- face basis and with great frequency. Primary groups may be divided into formal and informal groups . An example of a primary group is a class with its teacher. 2. Secondary groups: - These groups are usually larger than primary groups. There isn’t a great level of personal contact and the arrangement is formal. Examples of these groups are trade unions, political parties or organizations such as the Jaycees International of the Rotary Club. 3. Formal groups: - Groups may have a formal structure. This may include membership requirements, election or appointment of leaders, code of conduct, division of labour and specific objectives. Sports teams, scout groups and people in factories are some examples of formal groups.

7. TYPES OF GROUPS 4. Informal groups:- Informal groups do not have set rules controlling membership and organization. Activities may change suddenly. These groups may be formed out of people living in the same street, for example boys on a block, a bat-and-ball team or a group of kite flying children.