Groups in society

A group consists of more than one people with similar norms, values and expectations who
interact with one another on a regular basis. The study of groups has become important because
they help in the transmission of culture. Groups fulfil special needs, such as belonging and
identity, emotional security, physical companionship, status and importance. Groups may be
categorised by their size, structure, membership criteria, purpose and formalisation.
Characteristics of groups
1. Membership may be voluntary or involuntary membership
2. Common needs and interests
3. Common goals and objectives
4. Marks of identity/symbols eg. uniform, badge, language, social class, logo
5. Established rules, laws, norms, sanctions to which members should conform
6. Groups have clearly defined status

Types of groups
1. Primary groups- generally tend to:
- Involve regular and intimate contact between members, including direct, face-to-face
interaction and is generally fairly small
- Involve cooperation
- Share some common goals
- Members are usually cooperative and friendly and in continuous contact with each other.
- Play a pivotal role in the socialization process and the development of roles and social
status.
- Provides emotional support and encourages conformity through, obedience, respect or
through pressure.
Examples of primary groups include street gangs, members of a family, peer groups, that is,
individuals who are of similar age coming together to form a group and sporting teams, like a
basketball team
2. Secondary groups
- These are formal interpersonal groups in which little social intimacy or mutual
understanding is evident.
- These groups are usually large
- Short duration of interaction, little social intimacy.
- Members are more formal and impersonal
- This group involves only a segment of the member's life. Exists to accomplish a specific
purpose.

Examples of secondary social groups would include, co-workers, individuals who attend the
same church, or members of a club or association such as boy scouts, political parties, and trade
unions.

Comparing primary and secondary groups

  Primary Groups Secondary groups

Members typically engage in many Members typically engage in distinct,

Activities
of the same activities. highly specialised activities.

Clearly defined, corresponding to

Hierarchy Often informal or non-existent
offices.

Informal application of general

Norms Clearly defined rules and regulations.
norms.

Variable, often based on personal Technical competence carries out

Membership
affection or kinship. Generally very assigned task. Usually large
criteria
small.

Relationships Personal and intimae. Members are Relationships are less personal and based
accepted because of who they are and more on function and formality.
 Members may be expected to make a
not what they bring to the group
contribution in order to be accepted

Typically formal and in writing. Short

Typically casual and face to face.
Communication duration, temporary. Little social
Relatively long period of interaction.
intimacy or mutual understanding.

Focus Person oriented Task oriented

Activity

1. Define the term 'social group'.

2. Give THREE examples of social groups in a school.

3. Give THREE examples of social groups outside of a school.

4. You are the leader of a social group. State THREE ways in which you keep your
members together.

5. State FOUR characteristics of secondary groups

6. How does membership in a secondary group aid the process of socialisation?

7. Sally and Jan belong to a netball club. Give FOUR characteristics of such a group.

8. You are very keen on a hobby and see it as a life-long activity. You would like others to
join in with you to form a group for the hobby. Explain the role of the hobby to the group.