Groups-meaning,characteristics,types

and functions
Definition

 A group is a unit of two or more people in reciprocal

interaction or communication with each other.
Two or more Who see them selves
People as group members

Group

Share common Inter act with each other

goals
 Reasons for Joining Groups
 Security
 Status
 Self –Esteem
 Affiliation
 Power
 Goal Achievement
Characteristics

 Two to many persons.

 Communication and interaction is essential.
 Reciprocal two-way process.
 Long lived or brief duration.
 Among non human beings.
 Similar and divergent interest.
 Based on various kinds of situation
Social Categories and Aggregates
 Groups are sometimes mistaken with social categories
and social aggregates.

 Social Categories: people who share a social

characteristics
◦ Example: high school seniors, women

 Social Aggregate: people who happen to be at the

same place at the same time
◦ Example: people waiting in line at the airport
Functions
 Homogeneity of the group
 Size of group
 Physical mobility
 Effectiveness of communication
Classification of group
 Group based on the quality .
 Group based on social class.
 Group based on size.
 Groups based on personal feeling of belonging
 Groups based on compulsion of participation.
 Reference groups.
Group based on the quality
 1.Primary group and Secondary group.
 2.Formal and Informal groups.
 3.Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft.
Primary Groups
• Charles Cooley
• Emotionally close
• Primary relationships
• Socialization
• Throughout their life
 How do they develop?
• Small Size
• Face to Face Contact
• Continuous Contact
• Proper Social Environment
 What are their Functions?
 There are 3 important functions of Primary Groups

◦ Emotional Support
◦ Socialization
◦ Encourage Conformity
Characteristics of Primary group
 Physical proximity
 Small size
 Stability
 Similarity of background
 Limited self interest
 Personal relationship
 Continuity of relationship
 Intensity of shared interests
 Secondary groups

 Is characterized by much less intimacy among its

members.
 Usually has specific goals
 Is formally organized and is impersonal.

 ex: workplace
Characteristics of Secondary group
 Formal and impersonal relations
 Large in size
 Option of membership
 Individual’s status
Group based on social class
 1.horizontal group.

 2.Vertical group.
Group based on size
 Small groups

 Large groups
 Advantages of small groups
• Interact more with each other and easier to coordinate
their efforts
• More motivated, satisfied, and committed
• Easier to share information

Disadvantages of small groups

• Less effective
• Less no. of ideas
Advantages of large groups
• More resources at their disposal to achieve group
goals.
• Enables managers to obtain division of labor
advantages .

Disadvantages of large groups

• Problem of communication and coordination
• Conflict
Groups based on personal feeling of
belonging
 1.in –group:

 Group to which a person belongs and feels a sense of

identity e.g. family

 2.out-group:
 Group to which a person doesn’t belong and feels a

sense of hostility towards.

Groups based on compulsion of
particiation
 Social pressure.

 Eg:students group
 Reference groups
 Reference Groups are any groups that individuals
use as a standard for evaluating themselves and their
own behavior .
 eg.Teachers in a school, community leaders etc
REFERENCES
 Chithambar J B,2014,Introductory rural sociology,New age
international(p) ltd,publishers,New Delhi.
 www.wikipedia.com
 SOCIOLOGY by Paul B Horton Chester L Hunt International
student edition.