Group or social group

Society consists of group. Society starts with an aggregate of people. A social group exists when
two or more people are in direct or indirect contact and communication. The mutual stimulation
and response of individuals and groups is social interactions. Society is rooted in social
interaction. Social interaction is the most elemental social phenomenon from which spring all
other social phenomena. Social relations come from social interactions. The nature and character
of social relationships underlie different forms of social groups such as primary and secondary
groups, in-groups, out-groups, organized and unorganized groups, formal and informal groups
and so on.

Definition of group

The term group is very loosely used in sociology. For examples, family group, kin group,
occupational group etc. Hence, it is difficult to give a single satisfactory definition to the concept
of group.

A social group is a system of social interaction. - Harry M. Johnson.

A social group is two or more people between whom there is an established pattern of
interaction. – Marshal Jones.

Whenever two or more individuals come together and influence one another, they may be said to
constitute a social group. – Ogburn and Nimkoff.

Characteristics of social groups

The main characteristics of social groups are as follows:

1. Collections of individuals: Social group consists of people. Without individuals there

can be no group.
2. Interaction among members: Social interaction is the very basis of group life. Hence
more collection of individuals does not make group. The members must have interaction.
A social group, is in fact a system of social interaction. The limits of social groups are
marked by the limits of social interaction.
3. Mutual awareness: Group life involves mutual awareness. Group members are aware of
one another and their behavior is determined by this mutual recognition.
4. We-feeling: We-feeling refers to the tendency on the part of the members to identify
themselves with the groups. It represents group unity. This feeling creates sympathy in
and fosters co-operations among members.
5. Group unity and solidarity: Group members are tied by a sense of unity. The solidarity
or integration of a group is largely dependent upon the frequency, the variety and the
emotional quality of the interactions of its members.
6. Common interests: The interests and ideals of group are common. Groups are mostly
formed or established for the fulfilment of certain interests. In fact, men not only join
groups but also form group for the realization of their objectives or interests.
7. Groups are dynamic: Social groups are not static but dynamic. They are subject to
changes whether slow or rapid. Old members die and new members are born. Whether
due to internal or external pressures or forces groups undergo changes.
8. Influence on personality: Social groups directly or indirectly shape the personality of
their members. The also provide opportunities for the expression of individuality.
9. Similar behavior: The members of group behave in more or less similar way for the
pursuit of common interests.
10. Group norms: Every group has its own rules or norms which the members are supposed
to follow. These norms may be in the form of customs, folkways, mores, traditions,
conventions, laws etc.
11. Reciprocal relations: The members of group are reciprocally related to each other. The
members must interact or inter-related with each other.

Types of social group

1. Dwight Sanderson has classified groups into three types: i) Involuntary, ii) voluntary and
iii) delegate groups.
 An involuntary group is that to which man has no choice, which is based on kinship
such as the family, tribe or clan.
 A voluntary group is one which a man joins of his volition or wishes.
 A delegate group is one to which a man joins as a representative of a number of
people either elected or nominated by them. Parliament or Assembly is a delegate
group.
2. P.A. Sorokin, an American sociologist, has divided groups into two major types: i)
Vertical and ii) the Horizontal.
 The vertical group includes persons of different strata or statuses.
 But the horizontal group includes persons of the same status.
 A nation, for instance, is a vertical group, while a class represents horizontal
grouping.
3. F.H. Giddings classifies groups into two types: i) Genetic and ii) Congregate.
 The genetic group is the family in which a man is born involuntarily.
 The congregate group is the voluntary group to which he joins voluntarily.
4. C.H. Cooley classified groups on the basis of kind of contact into two types: i) primary ii)
secondary groups.
 In primary group, there is face-to-face, close and intimate relationship among the
members such as in the family.
 But in a secondary group the relationship among the members are indirect,
impersonal and superficial such as the political party, a city and trade union etc.
5. W.G. Sumner made a division of groups into two types: i) In-group and ii) out-group.
 In-group:-The groups with which the individual identifies himself are his in-groups
such as his family, tribe, college, occupation etc. (‘WE’ group).
 Out-group:-All other groups to which he does not belong are his out-groups.
(‘THEY’ group).
Other classifications: In addition to the above, there are also other classifications such as
the following:
1. Organized groups and unorganized groups.
2. Majority groups and minority groups.
3. Open groups and closed groups.
4. Independent groups and dependent groups.
5. Formal groups and informal groups.
6. Territorial and non-territorial groups.
7. Homogenous and Heterogeneous groups.
8. Contractual and non-contractual groups.
9. Unsocial, pseudo-social, antisocial and prosocial groups.