Sociology: Social Groups

Study Notes

A social group is a collection of individuals who interact with each other and share a common identity, purpose, or goal.
Social groups can be formal or informal, and can be classified into primary and secondary groups.

Formal Groups: These are organized and structured groups with defined roles, rules, and goals. Examples include companies, organizations, and governments.
Informal Groups: These are casual and spontaneous groups that emerge naturally, often based on shared interests or friendships. Examples include social clubs, sports teams, and neighborhood associations.

Primary Groups: These are small, intimate groups that are characterized by face-to-face interaction and a strong sense of community. Examples include families, close friends, and small social circles.
- Characteristics:
  - Small size
  - Face-to-face interaction
  - Emotional bonds
  - Long-term relationships
Secondary Groups: These are larger, more impersonal groups that are often formed for a specific purpose or goal. Examples include coworkers, classmates, and online communities.
- Characteristics:
  - Large size
  - Limited personal interaction
  - Focus on a specific goal or purpose
  - Weaker emotional bonds

A social group is a collection of individuals who interact with each other and share a common identity, purpose, or goal.

Formal Groups: Organized and structured groups with defined roles, rules, and goals, such as companies, organizations, and governments.
Informal Groups: Casual and spontaneous groups that emerge naturally, often based on shared interests or friendships, such as social clubs, sports teams, and neighborhood associations.

Primary Groups: Small, intimate groups characterized by face-to-face interaction and a strong sense of community, such as families, close friends, and small social circles.
Characteristics of Primary Groups:
- Small size
- Face-to-face interaction
- Emotional bonds
- Long-term relationships
Secondary Groups: Larger, more impersonal groups formed for a specific purpose or goal, such as coworkers, classmates, and online communities.
Characteristics of Secondary Groups:
- Large size
- Limited personal interaction
- Focus on a specific goal or purpose
- Weaker emotional bonds

Formal groups are created to achieve specific goals or objectives and have a clear structure and hierarchy.
They have defined roles, rules, and expectations, and often have a leader or chairperson.
Examples of formal groups include work teams, committees, and task forces.
Informal groups are formed by individuals with shared interests, goals, or values and often lack a formal structure.
They have no formal rules or hierarchy, and members may have different roles or responsibilities.
Examples of informal groups include friend groups, social clubs, and online communities.

Primary groups are small, intimate groups that provide a sense of belonging and identity.
They are often long-lasting and emphasize personal relationships, emotional support, and social bonding.
Examples of primary groups include family, close friends, and small social circles.
Secondary groups are larger, more impersonal groups formed for specific purposes or activities.
They focus on shared goals or interests, rather than personal relationships, and may have a more formal structure.
Examples of secondary groups include classes, teams, clubs, and organizations.