SOCIAL GROUP

A collection of two or more

people who interact frequently
with one another, share a
sense of belonging, and have
a feeling of interdependence.
SOCIAL GROUPS ARE DISTINCT
FROM TWO OTHER TYPES OF
COLLECTIVITIES
AGGREGATE
A collection of people who
happen to be in the same
place at the same time but
share little else in common.
CATEGORY
A number of people who may never
have met one another but share a
similar characteristic, such as
education level, age, race, or
gender.
TYPES OF GROUPS
Groups have varying degrees of
social solidarity and structure.
This structure is flexible in some
groups and more rigid in others.
Some groups are small and
personal; others are large and
impersonal.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY GROUPS

Primary group is describe as a small,

less specialized group in which
members engage in face-to face,
emotion-based interactions over an
extended period of time, in which we
have primary relationships with other
individuals.
Secondary group is a larger, more
specialized group in which the
members engage in more-impersonal,
goal-oriented relationships for a limited
period of time. The size of a secondary
group may vary.
IN GROUP & OUT GROUP
Ingroup a group to which a person belongs and with
which the person feels a sense of identity, respect
and loyalty. It is a group that an individual identifies
in positive direction. If a person is part of the in-
group then they are collectively part of an inner
circle of friends. An inner circle may contain sub-
groups within the inner circle including the apex
(best friends), core (very close friends), outer rim,
etc.
Outgroup a group to which a person
does not belong and toward which the
person may feel a sense of
competitiveness or hostility
The primary group provides a support
structure and being exclusive offers
protection from anyone in an out-
group.
REFERENCE GROUPS
A reference group is a group to which an
individual or another group is compared.
A group that strongly influences a person’s
behavior and social attitudes,regardless of
whether that individual is an actual member.
 
Sociologists call any group that individuals
use as a standard for evaluating themselves
and their own behavior a reference group.
NETWORKS
A network is a web of social
relationships that links one person
with other people and, through
them, with other people they
know.
 Comparing Primary and Secondary Groups
Primary Groups Secondary Groups

Physical Small number Large number

Conditions Long duration Shorter duration

Intrinsic value on Value goals of group

relationship more than relationship
Inclusive knowledge of Limited knowledge of
Social members members
Characteristics Freedom and External constraint
spontaneity
Informal norms and Formal norms and
controls controls

Friends Clerk/Customer
Sample Husband/Wife Performer/Spectator
Relationships Parent/Child Officer/Subordinate

Play Group Professional Association

Sample Groups Family Corporation
Work team Government Agency
GROUP CHARACTERISTICS
AND DYNAMICS
 GROUP SIZE: SMALL GROUPS
Small groups are few enough in
number so that all members
know one another
Dyad is the smallest group,
consisting of only two people
Triad is a group of three,
which introduces the possibility
of coalitions and mediation
As the group grows larger,
subgroups within the larger
group may form
 GROUP SIZE: LARGE GROUPS
Large groups consist of many people who
do not usually know each other well
Associations are large groups purposely
created to accomplish clearly defined
goals
Associations have both a formal structure
and an informal structure
The formal structure consists of formally
defined, typically written job definitions
The informal structure is negotiated in
the day to day activities of the association
GROUP LEADERSHIP

Leadership refers to the ability to

influence what goes on in a group
or social system.
LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS
Instrumental leadership is goal or task oriented;
this type of leadership is most appropriate when the
group’s purpose is to complete a task or reach a
particular goal.
Expressive leadership provides emotional support
for members; this type of leadership is most
appropriate when the group is dealing with
emotional issues and when harmony, solidarity, and
high morale are needed. Both kinds of leadership
are needed for groups to work effectively
LEADERSHIP STYLES
• Authoritarian leaders make all major group
decisions and assign tasks to members.
• democratic leaders encourage group
discussion and decision making through
consensus building.
• Laissez-faire leaders are only minimally
involved in decision making and encourage
group members to make their own decisions
GROUP CONFORMITY
Conformity is the process of
maintaining or changing behavior
to comply with the norms
established by a society,
subculture, or other group.
GROUPTHINK
The process by which members of
a cohesive group arrive at a
decision that many individual
members privately believe is
unwise.
FUNCTIONS OF GROUPS
1. Defining Boundaries
2. Choosing Leaders
3. Making Decisions
4. Setting Goals
5. Assigning Tasks
6. Controlling Members' Behavior