Groups: Created for a purpose ...

SOCIAL GROUPS

A SOCIAL group may be defined as two or more individuals who interact with one another; they share similar characteristics and, collectively, have a sense of unity.

Human beings do not enjoy living in isolation. We form groups to fulfil our different needs and to attain common goals. Groups play an important role in shaping personality, in the development of social organisation, and in socialisation.

A social group has an organisational aspect, i.e., rules, regulations, rivals, structure, and a psychological aspect, that is, an awareness or consciousness of the members. Members of a social group are linked together in a system of social relationships with one another and they interact with each other according to the norms of the group. A social group is also dynamic in nature.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL GROUP

(1) Given number of individuals: Two or more individuals are necessary to form a group. This number may vary.

(2) Reciprocal relations: There exist reciprocal relations among the members of a social group. The members must interact or interrelate with each other.

(3) Common goals: It is another important characteristic of a social group. The aims, objectives and ideals of the members are common.

(4) Sense of unity and solidarity: Members of a social group are always tied by a sense of unity and bond of solidarity; common goals and mutual relations strengthen this bond of unity and solidarity. This will create a sense of loyalty and sympathy among the members of social group.

(5) A strong sense of in-group versus out-group feeling: This we-feeling, fosters cooperation among members. Because of this we-feeling, the members identify themselves with the group and consider others as outsiders.

(6) Group norms: Every social group has its own regulations and norms which the members are supposed to follow. With the help of these rules and norms, the group exercises control over its members. These norms may be written or unwritten. Any violation of group norms is followed by a sanction.

(7) Similar behaviour: This similar behaviour helps in the achievement of common goals.

(8) Awareness: Members of a social group are aware of the membership which distinguishes them from others.

(9) Group control: Social groups exercise some sort of control over their members and over their activities.

(10) Social groups may be permanent or temporary in nature: There are permanent groups likes family, and temporary groups like a crowd, mob, etc.

(12) Social groups are dynamic in nature: They are not static. They respond to different changes. The nature of change may be slow or rapid but it is bound to occur.

Social groups may be categorised according to several categories such as:

Formalisation of groups: There are two types of groups: formal and informal.

A formal group involves people coming together to accomplish specific goals and objectives. This group has a particular structure where the roles and responsibilities of members of the group are defined. The activities carried by this group have specific guidelines, which members of the group are expected to adhere to.

Examples: Schools, churches, hospitals, government, and civic organisations.

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 this group is for the satisfaction of both personal and psychological needs.

Informal groups are not subjected to any rules and regulations, and the members of this group willingly belong to it. There are no explicit guidelines that govern the operations of an informal group.

CATEGORISING GROUPS ACCORDING TO SIZE

Groups can also be categorised according to the number of people present within them.

PRIMARY GROUPS AND SECONDARY GROUPS

Try this: Distinguishing between primary groups and secondary groups.

1. Larger and more impersonal and may exist for a relatively short time to achieve a specific purpose.

2. Characterised by extensive interaction and strong emotional ties.

3. Examples are religious, business, governmental, and civic organisations.

4. Gives individuals much of their social identity, because it is the first group we belong to.

5. Members of this group care a lot about each other and identify strongly with the group.

6. Members feel less emotionally attached to each other.

7. Members share a sense of identity or belonging only until the group ends and it is task-oriented.

8. Gives emotional warmth and comfort in good times and bad, and provides us an identity and a strong sense of loyalty and belonging.

CATEGORISING GROUPS ACCORDING TO MEMBERSHIP IN-GROUP

An in-group is a group to which we belong and to which we feel loyalty. This group possesses some form of identity which tends to exclude others. This may include badges, how we dress, or methods of communication. We may also judge people to be members of an in-group based on factors such as their religion, race, nationality, job category, and level of education. It is, therefore, social group towards which a member feels respect and an individual identifies in himself/herself positive direction.

OUT-GROUP

An out-group is a group to which we do not belong and to which we feel no loyalty. It is a social group towards which a person feels a sense of competition or opposition.

INTEREST GROUP

This is an informal group of members seeking to achieve a common goal related to their membership.

REFERENCE GROUP

The group to which we compare ourselves for purposes of self-evaluation is called a reference group. We tend to look for others with whom to compare ourselves. In our society, people compare themselves to others in similar age groups and with similar educational levels to determine how successful they are materially.

PEER GROUP

A peer group is a group with members of approximately the same age, social status, and interests. Generally, people are relatively equal in terms of power when they interact with peers.

HOMEWORK

1. State six characteristics of groups.

2. State five types of groups and give an example for each group.

3. Why is it necessary to categorise groups?

4. Which group do you consider most essential in society? Give reasons for your choice.

5. Suggest three reasons why you would consider social groups as necessary. Explain your answer.