SOCIAL Group

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SOCIAL GROUPS – STUDY MATERIAL

I. Understanding Social Groups

Human life is inherently group-oriented. From birth to death, individuals live, grow, and function within various groups. These groups help individuals fulfill needs, achieve common goals, and develop personality.

Simple Definition

A social group is a collection of two or more individuals who interact with one another in an orderly manner based on shared expectations.

Key Requirement

• Reciprocal interaction
• Mutual awareness (Members must influence and respond to one another)

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II. Core Characteristics of a Social Group

A social group possesses the following essential features:

1. Given Number of Individuals

   • A minimum of two persons is required.

2. Reciprocal Relations

   • Interaction among members forms the foundation of a group.

3. Common Goals

   • Members work together and may sacrifice personal interests for group goals.

4. Sense of Unity (Solidarity)

   • A feeling of togetherness that creates loyalty among members.

5. “We-Feeling”

   • Members identify themselves as “we” (insiders) and distinguish from outsiders.

6. Group Norms

   • Rules, customs, and regulations that guide and control behaviour.

7. Awareness (Consciousness of Kind)

   • Members are aware of their membership in that particular group.

8. Dynamic Nature

   • Social groups are not static; they change over time according to social and environmental conditions.

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III. Classification of Social Groups

Sociologists classify social groups on different bases such as size, intimacy, and rules.

Sociologist	Classification
Sumner	In-Group and Out-Group
Cooley	Primary Group and Secondary Group
Giddings	Ethnic Group and Civil Group
Ward	Voluntary Group and Involuntary Group
Miller	Horizontal Group and Vertical Group

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IV. Primary and Secondary Groups (Cooley)

1. Primary Groups

Introduced by Charles Horton Cooley (1909)
Primary groups are called the “nurseries of human nature” because they play a vital role in personality development.

Examples

• Family
• Play groups
• Close friends
• Kinship groups

Key Characteristics

• Physical Proximity – Face-to-face interaction
• Small Size – Allows close and intimate relationships
• Durability – Usually long-lasting or permanent
• Ends in Themselves – Relationships are valued for their own sake, not for personal gain

Importance

• Shapes personality
• Provides emotional security
• Acts as the first agency of socialization
• Develops values, attitudes, and behaviour

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2. Secondary Groups

Secondary groups are special interest groups typical of modern industrial society.

Examples

• City
• Nation
• Political party
• Labour union
• Large corporations
• Red Cross

Key Characteristics

• Large Size – Members may be spread across regions or countries
• Formality – Governed by written rules, laws, and regulations
• Impersonality – Relationships are indirect and formal
• Voluntary Membership – Individuals can usually join or leave freely
• Status by Achievement – Position depends on work or role, not birth

Importance

• Promotes efficiency and specialization
• Offers opportunities for social mobility
• Supports career growth and organized functioning

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V. Comparative Summary: Primary vs Secondary Groups

Feature	Primary Group	Secondary Group
Size	Small	Large
Nature of Relations	Personal and intimate	Formal and impersonal
Cooperation	Direct	Indirect
Communication	Face-to-face	Often indirect or written
Purpose	Emotional and general	Goal-oriented and specific

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VI. Teaching and Discussion Points

1. Shift in Modern Society

   • Many functions once performed by the family (primary group) are now handled by schools, workplaces, and institutions (secondary groups).

2. Social Control

   • Primary groups use informal control (praise, shame).
   • Secondary groups use formal control (laws, fines, rules).

3. Nursing Perspective

   • Understanding group dynamics helps nurses:
     • Identify a patient’s primary support system
     • Improve teamwork in healthcare settings
     • Provide holistic and patient-centered care

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