Social groups in society

OBJECTIVES

1. Explain and use correctly terms associated with social groups:

Primary group, secondary group, peer group, interest group.

2. Provide examples of primary and secondary groups in the Caribbean

A social group may be defined as two or more humans who interact with one another; they share similar characteristics and collectively have a sense of unity. Every society is made up of several small groups and associations that tend to be built on social class, personal interest or common goals.

WHAT SOCIAL GROUPS ARE YOU A PART OF, AND WHY?

A social group may also be seen as a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals. A society is viewed as the largest group: it is a group of people related to each other, as it is a large social grouping that shares the same geographical territory, they are subjected to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations.

SOCIAL GROUPS IN SOCIETY

Use this diagram to answer question one in the activities at the end.

Social groups may be categorised according to several classifications such as: a. Size b. Structure c. Membership d. Purpose e. Formalisation

Individuals become members of groups to satisfy some need. As a unit consisting of a number of individuals interacting with each other, the following needs are satisfied:

1. Status and importance.

2. Belonging and a sense of identity.

3. Physical companionship.

4. Emotional security.

5. Avenues for leadership and decisionmaking.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUPS

1. Common motives and goals.

2. An accepted division of labour ( i.e., roles).

3. Established status (social rank, dominance) relationships.

4. Accepted norms and values, with reference to matters relevant to the group.

5. Development of accepted sanctions (rewards and punishment) if and when norms are respected or violated.

NB: Humans have a natural tendency to form groups and a single person can be a part of more than one group; that is, a person can belong to several groups at a time. However, not all of these groups will be of the same importance or have the same effect or role in his or her life.

GROUPS BASED ON SIZE

Groups can also be categorised according to the number of people present within them. This makes sense if the size of the group has consequences for the way group members relate with each other.

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 ingroup based on factors such as their religion, race, nationality, job category, and level of education. It is, therefore, a social group towards which a member feels respect and an individual identifies in himself/herself positive direction. If a person is part of the in-group, then he/she is collectively part of an inner circle of friends.

OUT-GROUP

An out-group is a group to which members do not belong and to which they feel no loyalty. It is a social group towards which a person feels a sense of competition or opposition. It is a group that an individual identifies in negative direction.

INTEREST GROUPS

This is an informal group seeking to achieve a common goal related to their membership in an organisation. An interest group, also called pressure group, is any association of individuals

“No man is an island, no man stands alone.”

or organisations, usually formally organised, that, on the basis of one or more shared concerns, attempts to influence public policy in its favour.

REFERENCE GROUPS

A reference group includes individuals or groups that influence our opinions, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. They often serve as our role models and inspiration. 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. It also comprises people who have many of the same interests and is commonly found in a high-school/college setting. Some of the times, the members have a name and rules for themselves.

REFERENCE

Social Studies for the Caribbean (New Edition) I. B. Beddoe, L. Bernard, et. al.

ACTIVITIES

1. Using the diagram GIVEN in the lesson: give examples of each type of groups.

2. Why is it necessary to categorised groups?

3. Why would you consider any group more essential in society than another?give reasons for your choice.

4. Suggest THREE reasons social groups are necessary. Explain your answer.