Social Groups- Meaning, Definition, Characteristics and Types

# Meaning of Social Groups

A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact based on mutual expectations and share a common identity.

A social group may be defined as an aggregate of people who are interrelated and share a common identity, a sense of unity, and certain goals.

For example:- A family living in a home, a group of employees working in the same organization, a group of classmates, a group of members of a meeting and so on.

# Definition of Social Groups

1. According to Johnson:- “A social group is a system of social interaction.”

2. According to Ogburn and Nimkoff:- “Whenever two or more individuals come together and influence one another, they may be said to be constitute a social group.”

3. According to MacIver:- “Any collection of social beings who enter into distinctive social relationships with one another.”

4. According to Bogardus:- “Social group as number of persons, two or more, who have common objects of attention, who are stimulating to each other, who have common locality and participate in similar activities.” 

5. According to R.M. William:- “A social group is a given aggregate of people playing interrelated roles and recognized by themselves or others as a unit of interaction.” 

6. According to Marshal Jones:- “A social group is two or more people between whom there is an established pattern of interaction.”

# Characteristics of Social Groups

1. Collection of two or more individuals:- A social group consists of two or more people. In fact, without individuals, there can be no groups.

2. Social interaction among members:- Social interaction is the very basis of group life. Hence, a mere collection of individuals does not constitute a group. The members must interact with each other. A social group is, in fact, a system of social interactions.

3. Reciprocal relations:- The members of a group are interrelated to each other. A gathering of people forms a social group when its members are interrelated.

4. Mutual awareness:- The members of a social group must have a mutual relationship with one another. Mutual attachment is regarded as an important and distinctive feature. This mutual attachment forms an essential feature of a group.

5. Sense of unity:- The members of a social group are united by a sense of unity and a feeling of sympathy.

6. Size of the group:- The group can range from small (e.g., 2-10 members) to large (e.g., hundreds or thousands).

7. Similar behaviour:- The members of a group behave in more or less similar ways for the pursuit of common interests. Social groups represent collective behavior.

8. Influence on personality:- Social groups directly or indirectly shape the personalities of their members. They also provide opportunities for individuals to express themselves.

9. Shared norms and values:- Members of a social group share common norms, values, and beliefs. 

10. Groups are dynamic:- Social groups are dynamic, not static. They undergo changes, whether slow or rapid, due to internal or external pressures. Membership also changes as old members pass away and new ones are born or join the group.

# Types of Social Groups

Social groups have the following types:-

1. On the basis of identification. (William Grahman Sumner)

(a) In-Groups:- An in-group is a social group to which an individual feels a sense of belonging, identity, and loyalty. It is a group that an individual is a part of, and with which they share a common identity, interests, or goals. In-groups can be formal or informal, and can range in size from small to large. For example, it can be our family, tribe, friendship group, social clubs or organizations, religious or spiritual communities, cultural or ethnic groups, work teams or departments and online communities or forums are all instances of in-group.

(b) Out-Groups:- An out-group is a social group to which an individual does not belong or identify with. It is a group that is perceived as different, distant, or separate from one's own in-group (the group to which one belongs). Out-groups can be formal or informal, and can range in size from small to large. For example, a different ethnicity, race, or religion, a rival sports team or political party, a different socioeconomic class or education level, a different age group or generation and a different cultural or linguistic background are all instances of out-group.

2. On the basis of rules and regulations. (George Simmel)

(a) Formal Groups:- A formal group is a type of social group that is characterized by a structured and organized framework, with clear boundaries, roles, and responsibilities. Formal groups are often established for a specific purpose, such as a workplace team, a social club, or a community organization. For example, organization, banks, hospitals, educational institutions, official association, etc.

(b) Informal Groups:- Informal groups are social groups that are characterized by a lack of formal structure, organization, and leadership. They are often formed spontaneously or naturally around shared interests, activities, or friendships. For example, a group of students sitting in the playground and gossiping with one another, people gathered to see a Joker in a public place, informal clubs and associations, etc.

3. On the basis of structure. (Robin William Jr.)

(a) Involuntary Groups:- An involuntary group is a type of social group where membership is not chosen by the individual, but rather is determined by circumstances beyond their control. For example, family is an involuntary group because an individual has no control over his birth- to be born or not born in a specific family.

(b) Voluntary Groups:- A voluntary group is a type of social group where membership is chosen by the individual, and they have the freedom to join or leave the group as they wish. For example, you can join people watching a game in the playground, you can become a student in a college, you can join an organization and so on.

(c) Delegate Groups:- A delegate group is a type of group where members are chosen or appointed to represent a larger body or organization. For example, Parliament is a deliberate group as it presents the wishes and need of the public.

4. On the basis of relations to society. (George Simmel)

(a) Un-social Groups:- An un-social group refers to a collection of individuals who do not interact or associate with each other in a social manner.  They do not participate in the society and remains alone. This can be due to various reasons such as lack of common interests or goals, different values or beliefs, conflicting personalities or behaviors, geographical or cultural barriers and intentional exclusion or isolation. For example, Strangers in a public place, people from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds who don't interact, etc.

(b) Anti-social Groups:- An anti-social group refers to a group of individuals who reject or oppose the conventional social norms, values, and expectations of society. They may engage in behaviors or activities that are considered harmful, disruptive, or illegal by mainstream society. For example, terrorist groups, criminals, thieves, murderers, etc.

(c) Pro-social Groups:- A pro-social group is a group of individuals who share a common goal or interest in promoting the well-being and betterment of society. Pro-social groups are characterized by their positive and supportive behavior towards others, and their actions are often guided by a sense of social responsibility and empathy. For example, all the governmental and non-governmental welfare organizations.

(d) Pseudo social Groups:- A pseudo social group refers to a group of individuals who interact with each other, but lack a genuine sense of community, shared identity, or meaningful relationships. Pseudo social groups can exist in various contexts, including social media, workplaces, or social clubs.

(e) Reference Groups:- A reference group is a social group that an individual uses as a standard of comparison or point of reference in making evaluations and decisions. Reference groups can be primary or secondary groups, and they can be formal or informal.

5. On the basis of contact. (C.H. Cooley)

(a) Primary Groups:- A primary group is made up of people who are emotionally close, known each other well and seeks each other’s company. People participate in primary groups throughout their roles. For example, family, neighborhood, close friends, relatives, etc.

(b) Secondary Groups:- A secondary group is impersonal and goal oriented and for only limited parts of their personalities. For example, a shopkeeper-customer relation, a doctor-patient relation, an advocate-client relation and teacher-student relation and so on.

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