HOW SOCIETY IS ORGANIZED

A society is organized, not only because of individuals who interact and share
common interests, but also due to the prevailing interaction among them, their state
of belongingness, and the ability to influence one another and work together to
achieve common goals.

Give emphasis to the words listed in the box to help you gain a deeper
understanding of the lesson.

In-group Out-group Reference Group

Network Primary Group Secondary Group

SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES OF SOCIETY

Social groups are fundamental parts of human life. They are a multitude of
people who see each other often and think of themselves as part of a group. There
appears to be groups of people everywhere. We could be a member of a church group,
college class, workplace, sports team, club, and others. The discipline of Sociology
focuses primarily on the study of social groups in a society.

FORMS OF SOCIAL GROUP

Groups are formed as an assemblage of people who often interact with each
other on the basis of a common outlook concerning behavior and a sense of common
identity. A social group may consist of two or more individuals who do things together
with a common goal and interest.

Examples: family relatives couples

friends church mate schoolmate
co-workers business neighborhood
organization team mate clubs

Primary Group and Secondary Group

According to Charles Horton Cooley (1864-1929) groups can generally be

classified into two main types:
(1) the primary group and (2) secondary group.

A primary group is just a small group with members engaged in tight, private
and lasting relationships. This group is noticeable by the care the members have for
each other as well as the common activities and culture they share. This close-fitting
interconnected group is among the most significant groups in any society as
exemplified by the family. It also includes childhood friends and long lasting intimate
relationships. Primary group members identify themselves strongly within the group.

2
 The secondary group can be a small or a big social group usually formed
for a short-term period. The members are not related to one another and are not
influenced by personal feelings. Membership is founded on what a person can do
for each other. This group is commonly found in schools and at the workplace. The
members of this group follow a particular action with a common goal. Among the
members of this group are our workers and schoolmates.

In-groups and Out-groups

A person’s conceptualization of another person as well as other groups

depends on his/her perception of whether they are members or part of his/her group
or not.
An in-group is a social group to which a person identifies with. He or she
may feel loyalty and respect toward the other members of this group. This may
include brotherhood or fraternity.
On the other hand, out-groups are groups to which a person does not
identify with. He or she may feel dislike or hatred toward a member of this group.
This may include opponents and rivals of their group.

Reference Group

With socialization, persons change necessarily to adjust to different groups of

people in society. Individuals evaluate their behaviour and attitudes through their
reference group which can be within their primary or secondary group.
It is not necessary that we become a member of a reference group; this can be
a person’s favorite fashion style, artist, pop idols, sports team, mentor, or a well know
personality we admire and want to emulate.

Networks

Networks are created because of the need to establish connection for some
reasons like personal, economic, religious, or political interests.
A network is a group that includes individuals who come into casual
connection but who do not have enough sense of belongingness.
Examples of these are Facebook, twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other social
networking sites.