Types of Groups PDF

# The difference between a group and a social group We use the word group to refer to several people who share a common characteristic or who are together in the same place for example, we call a number of people at a scene of an accident or a number of spectator at a cricket match a group. They ar...

# The difference between a group and a social group We use the word group to refer to several people who share a common characteristic or who are together in the same place for example, we call a number of people at a scene of an accident or a number of spectator at a cricket match a group. They are individuals who are together in the same place. They only meet once and for a short time. Therefore, each one of these groups is an example of a transitory or temporary group. ## Primary & secondary groups * **Primary groups** are small and all the members interact with one another face-to-face frequently and intimately. E.g. your family, your class or the friends you study with. * **Secondary groups** are large, do not meet frequently as a primary group does nor is the interaction among the members intimate. E.g. a church, school, a political party or trade union. ## Formal and informal groups ### Formal groups Formal groups have a formal structure. There is a clear line of authority in such groups. These groups also have set rules, sanctions and criteria for memberships. E.g. of formal groups are a political party and a trade union ### Informal groups This type of group has an informal structure such as that of a sports club. - Informal groups are usually formed within formal groups. E.g. friendship groups. ## Comparing formal and informal groups | Features | Formal groups | Informal groups | |---|---|---| | structure | There is a clearly defined hierarchical structure with status, roles and clear lines of authority | There is no clearly defined structure. The structure is informal and based on personal relationships which exists among the members. | | Leader | There is an appointed or elected leader | Someone usually emerges as leader | | Rules | There are written rules with sanctions | There are no written rules | | Goals | The goal is clearly defined | Goals change with the changing activities | | Membership requirements | Individuals must satisfy certain criteria for membership | Members may join and leave quickly | ## Peer group A peer group is a group that is made up of persons of approximately the same age, who shares similar interest, values and backgrounds. N.B. Peer pressure is the influence of the members of the peer group to make others conform to the groups values and behavior. ## In group and out group When we speak about some of the groups to which we belong, we often refer to other members as “we”. These are your in groups, e.g. you may refer to members of a group that you play with as “we”. On the other hand when you refer to their groups of which you are not a member you refer to them as “they”. These are your out groups. E.g. when you speak about members of an opposing team we refer to them as “they”.