Social Groups:

In the social sciences, a social group can be defined as two or more people who interact with one
another, share similar characteristics, and collectively have a sense of unity. Other theorists disagree
however, and are wary of definitions which stress the importance of interdependence or objective
similarity.

Classification Of Social Groups

Different sociologists have classified social groups in different ways. The chief base of these
classifications are functions, scope and stability.

1.In Group:

In sociology and social psychology, an in-group is a social group to which a person psychologically
identifies as being a member.

2.Out Group:

An in-group is a social group to which a person psychologically identifies as being a member. By

contrast, an out-group is a social group with which an individual does not identify.

3.Primary Group:

A primary group is typically a small social group whose members share close, personal, enduring
relationships in which one exchanges implicit items, such as love, caring, concern, support, etc. These
groups are often long-lasting and marked by members’ concern for one another, where the goal is
actually the relationship themselves rather than achieving another purpose.

4.Secondary Group:

A secondary group is a relatively larger group composed of impersonal and goal-oriented relationships,
which are often temporary. These groups are often based on achieving a common purpose outside of
the relationship itself and involve much less emotional investment. Since secondary groups are
established to perform functions, individual roles are more interchangeable, thus members are able to
leave and outgroup are able to join with relative ease.

5.Formal Group:

A formal group is formed when people come together to accomplish specific goals and objectives. An
official group has particular structures and roles where responsibilities of members of the group are
defined.
Activities carried by a formal group have specific guidelines, which members of the group are supposed
to adhere to and follow to ensure good coordination.

6.Informal Group:

An informal group is formed when two or more people come together to accomplish a specific task
which is mainly socially geared. The main idea behind the establishment of the informal group is the
satisfaction of both personal and psychological needs.

Informal groups are not subjected to any rules and regulations in the company, and the members of this
group willingly belong to this group.

7.Organized Group:

Organised groups are often called associational groups. These groups come to be through a formally
articulated process known as ‘organisation’. ... It only means the organisation of associations.
Organisation is an important phenomenon of modern complex societies.

8.Unorganized Group:

The unorganized group is not formed purposefully. Instead, the individuals just happened to fall into a
single group where they neither have any attachment to one another nor have any belongingness.

9.Reference Group:

A reference group is a group to which we compare ourselves. Reference groups, such as college
freshmen, serve as a standard to which we measure our behaviors and attitudes. We use reference
groups in order to guide our behaviour and attitudes and help us to identify social norms.

10.Vertical Groups:

According to D. Miller The vertical groups are large, inclusive groups such as nations, religious
organisations and political parties.

11.Horizontal Groups:

The Horizontal groups are small divisions consisting mainly, of members from; social class, a group of
doctors, teachers and engineers are some of the examples of horizontal group.

Composed By:
Adil Farzam