Sociology: Understanding Social Groups

A social group is characterized by a large population and impersonal relationships.

Primary groups are small, intimate, and less specialized groups.

Secondary groups are formed based on face-to-face interactions.

In-groups are groups to which one does not belong.

Reference groups provide a standard to evaluate one's performance.

A social group is characterized by a lack of shared expectations.

Primary groups are characterized by indirect cooperation.

Out-groups are groups that provide a sense of identity.

Reference groups are formed based on physical proximity.

Secondary groups are characterized by a sense of personal relationships.