Lecture V Social Group 2014

Nobel College, Pokhara University, Kathmandu Nepal Basu Prasad Subedi 5/3/2014

Specific Objectives After the completion of this lecture student will be able to  Share the meaning and definition of social groups

 Explain the characteristics of group  Describe the types social groups

 Explain the influencing factors of group formation

 Understand the importance of group for business promotion

Group: Meaning

A small collection of people who interact with each other, usually face to face, over time in order to reach goals is called group. Two or more people who are bound in stable patterns of social interaction, with a sense of unity are generally known as a group.

In the social sciences, a social group is two or more humans who interact with one another, share similar characteristics, and have a collective sense of unity. This is a very broad definition, as it includes groups of all sizes, from dyads to whole societies. A society can be viewed as a large group, though most social groups are considerably smaller. Society can also be viewed as people who interact with one another, sharing similarities pertaining to culture and territorial boundaries. A social group exhibits some degree of social cohesion and is more than a simple collection or aggregate of individuals, such as people waiting at a bus stop or people waiting in a line. Characteristics shared by members of a group may include interests, values, representations, ethnic or social background, and kinship ties. One way of determining if a collection of people can be considered a group is if individuals who belong to that collection use the self-referent pronoun "we;" using "we" to refer to a collection of people often implies that the collection thinks of itself as a group. Examples of groups include: families, companies, and circles of friends, clubs, local chapters of fraternities and sororities, and local religious congregations. Human beings never live in isolation. He rarely exists alone. Human life is essentially a group life. As a social animal he always lives in group. He begins his life as a participating member of the group i.e. family. He born, live, grows and dies in group. He forms group to fulfill his different needs and to attain common goals. Groups play an important role in shaping personality, in the development of social organization and socialization.

That is why the study of group is very important in understanding the behavior of men and women. Hence group is one of the basic concepts in sociology. The concept of group may be considered from both individual and society‟s point of view. Famous Sociologists W.G. Sumner, C.H. Cooley, T.M. Newcomb and R.K. Merton made important contributions to the development of the concept of group. The term social group consists of two terms i.e. social and group. Ordinarily by social group we mean a collection of human beings. But the term social refers to social relationships or shared behaviors. Similarly, in the words of E.S. Bogardus the term “group refers to a number of units of anything in close proximity with one another”. Accordingly, it may refer to a group of trees, a group of houses, a group of horses etc. But in case of human beings as Maclver and Page says a group refers to “any collection of human beings who are brought into social relationships with one another”. Accordingly, a social group is a collection of interacting individuals who participate in similar activities and have a consciousness of joint interaction. There exists some degree of reciprocity and mutual awareness among the individuals.

A social group is an organized one. Besides having mutual interaction and reciprocity the members of a social group have similar goals. The members of a social group interact according to some established patterns. Definite relations exist among individuals which constitute a social group. In the truest sociological sense a group refers to a collection of individuals who are brought into social relationship with one another and organize themselves for the fulfillment of common aims.

But to have a complete understanding of the term social group it must be distinguished from the terms like social aggregates, social category, potential group or quasi group. A social aggregate is a mere collection of individuals who are in a particular place at a particular time but share no definite relations with one another e.g. passengers in a train. But a social category refers to a collection of individuals who have some common characteristics e.g. caste, sex, age and occupational groups.

A potential or quasi group consists of a group of individuals having some common characteristics who does not possess any recognizable structure. But a potential or quasi group became a social group when it becomes organized. A social group has an organizational aspect i.e. rules, regulations, rivals, structure etc. and a Psychological aspect i.e. awareness or consciousness of the members. Members of a social group linked together in a system of social relationships with one another and they interact with each other according to norms of the group. A social group is also dynamic in nature.

Renowned social psychologist Muzafer Sherif formulated a technical definition of a social group. It is a social unit consisting of a number of individuals interacting with each other with respect to:

1. common motives and goals; 2. an accepted division of labor; 3. established status relationships; 4. accepted norms and values with reference to matters relevant to the group; and 5. the development of accepted sanctions, such as raise and punishment, when norms were respected or violated.

Explicitly contrasted with a social cohesion-based definition for social groups is the social identity perspective, which draws on insights made in social identity theory. The social identity approach posits that the necessary and sufficient conditions for the formation of social groups are "awareness of a common category membership" and that a social group can be "usefully conceptualized as a number of individuals who have internalized the same social category membership as a component of their self-concept.” Stated otherwise, while the social cohesion approach expects group members to ask "who am I attracted to?” the social identity perspective expects group members to simply ask "who am I?”

A social group consists of two or more people who interact with one another and who recognize themselves as a distinct social unit. The definition is simple enough, but it has significant implications. Frequent interaction leads people to share values and beliefs. This similarity and the interaction cause them to identify with one another. Identification and attachment, in turn, stimulate more frequent and intense interaction. Each group maintains solidarity with all to other groups and other types of social systems.

Groups are among the most stable and enduring of social units. They are important both to their members and to the society at large. Through encouraging regular and predictable behavior, groups form the foundation upon which society rests. Thus, a family, a village, a political party a trade union is all social groups. These, it should be noted are different from social classes, status groups or crowds, which not only lack structure but whose members are less aware or even unaware of the existence of the group. These have been called quasi-groups or groupings. Nevertheless, the distinction between social groups and quasi-groups is fluid and variable since quasi-groups very often give rise to social groups, as for example, social classes give rise to political parties.

Some Definitions of Group

A group is a social unit which consists of number of individuals who stand in (more or less) definite status and role relationships to one another and which possesses a set of values or norms of its own regulating the behavior of individual members at least in matter of consequence to the group.

-Sheeriff and Sheeriff

A social group may be thought of as a number of persons two or more, who have some common objects of attention, which are stimulating to each other, who have common loyalty and participate in similar activities.

-Bogardus Whenever two or more individuals come together and influence one another, they may be said to constitute a social group.

- Ogburn and Nimkoff

A group is a collection of individuals who have relations to one another that make them interdependent to some significant degree. As so defined, the term group refers to a class of social entities having in common the property of interdependence among their constituent members.

-Dorwin Cartwright and Alvin Zander (1968: 46)

According to A.W. Green, “A group is an aggregate of individuals which persists in time, which has one or more interests and activities in common which is organised”.

According to Horton and Hunt, “Groups are aggregates or categories of people who have a consciousness of membership and of interaction”.

According to Maclver and Page a social group is “any collection of human beings who are brought into human relationships with one another”.

According to Williams, “A social group is a given aggregate people playing inter-related roles and recognized by themselves or others as a unit of interaction”.

According to E.S. Bogardus, “A social group may be thought of as a number of persons two or more, who have some common objects of attention that are stimulating to each other, who have common loyalty and participate in similar activities”.

In part differences in definition occur because writers often select those things that are of special importance in their work and then posit „these as the criteria for group existence‟ (Benson 2001: 5). This said, it is possible, as Jarlath F. Benson has done, to identify a list of attributes:

 A set of people engage in frequent interactions  They identify with one another.  They are defined by others as a group.  They share beliefs, values, and norms about areas of common interest.  They define themselves as a group.  They come together to work on common tasks and for agreed purposes (Benson 2000: 5) In social science, a social group is defined as two or more people who are joined together by some shared bond or affinity. Different types of groups may overlap with one another. Also, a given individual may belong to more than one group, although he/she may identify with one group more deeply than another. Group status can be acquired or lost instantly or assigned to an individual by outside observers.

More specifically four things can happen under group:

Development of boundary with “in” and “out”

Group develops “objective” existence

Group obtains distinct subculture

Members develop sense of allegiance

Important characteristics of a Social Group

1. collection of individuals:

A social group consists of a given number of individuals. Without a number of individuals no social group can be formed. Two or more than that individual are necessary to form a group. This number may vary. These individuals belong to the group as members of the group and are considered as unit of the group.

2. Reciprocal Relations: The members of a group are inter-related to each other. Simply, a gathering of persons cannot form a group. Mutual relations are considered essential for the formation of a social group. There exist reciprocal relations among the members of a social group. These reciprocal relations among the members are the basis or foundation of social group without which social group cannot be formed. The members must interact or inter-related with each other.

3. Sense of unity and solidarity:

A sense of unity is essential for every group. By virtue of such a sense, members of a group develop loyalty or a feeling of sympathy among themselves. Members of a social group are always tied by a sense of unity and bond of solidarity, common goals and mutual relations strengthens this bond of unity and solidarity.

4. We-feeling:

The members of a social group develop a sense of "we" feeling among them. "We-feeling" fosters co-operation among members and helps to defend their interests collectively. Because of this we- feeling the members identify themselves with the group and consider others as outsiders.

5. Common Goals: It is another important characteristic of a social group. The aims, objectives and ideals of the members are common. For the fulfillment of these common goals social groups are formed. Here individual interests are sacrificed for group interests. The interests and ideals of a group are common. In fact, people from the group for the fulfillment of their common objectives or interests.

6. Group Norms:

Every group has its own rules and norms, which the members are supposed to follow. The group exercises control over its members through the norms. These norms may be written or unwritten.

Any violation of group norms is followed by punishment. The group norms maintain unity and integrity in the group. 7. Similarity of Behavior: Members of a social group show similar behavior. As the interests, ideals and values of a group are common hence its members behave in a similar manner. This similar behavior helps in the achievement of common goals.

8. Stability:

Groups are permanent or temporary in nature, some groups like the crowd, mob etc. are temporary and unstable. But group like family is relatively permanent and stable in nature.

9. Groups are Dynamic:

Social groups are not static. They are dynamic. The rate of change may be slow or rapid. Due to internal or external pressures, groups undergo changes.

10. Influence on personality:

Social groups directly or indirectly shape the personality of the group members. They also provide opportunities for the expansion of individual.

11. Social groups may be permanent or temporary in nature. There are permanent groups likes family and temporary groups like crowd, mob etc. 12. Social groups are dynamic in nature. It is not static. It responds to different changes. The nature of change may be slow or rapid but it is bound to occur. 13. Social groups have established patterns.

Types of Social Groups

Social groups are everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seems to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social groups. A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and common identity. In other words, it's a group of people who see each other frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases, we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example, you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class, workplace, and more. Many different types of groups exist in industrialized societies, including school classes, social clubs, sports teams, neighborhood associations, religious communities, and volunteer organizations. Within any group, it is not uncommon for a few people to have an especially close relationship and form a clique, which is an internal cluster or faction within a group.

Primary and Secondary social Groups

Primary group is a small social group whose members share personal and enduring relationships. They are bound together by primary relationships. The relationships are informal, intimate, personal and total. These groups are among the first we experience. The examples can be: Family, play group, friends. They provide sense of security to the members. People usually have an emotional attachment, they are loyal, and the relationships are end in itself. The nuclear family, which consists of a pair of adults and their children, is a good example of primary group. Members of a nuclear family typically interact on a daily basis. For them, the family is an important source of identity and purpose. Love and affection bind the family The nuclear family is an example of a primary social group members together, and their relationships are enduring. Even when members move away from each other, they are still a part of the family.

Although the nuclear family is considered the ideal primary group by some sociologists, it is not the only example. Many people are also a member of a group of close friends. This group is usually small, and the relationships are still close-knit and enduring, so it is also a primary group. The term 'primary' is used with these groups because they are the primary source of relationships and socialization. The relationships in our primary groups give us love, security, and companionship. We also learn values and norms from our family and friends that stay with us for most, if not all, of our lives.

Secondary group is a large and impersonal social group whose members pursue a specific interest or activity. Just the opposite of primary groups their relationships are secondary. Such relationships involve weak emotional ties and little personal knowledge of one another. Most secondary groups are formal, impersonal, segmental, and utilitarian. These groups are goal oriented. The interaction may be impersonal though pleasant. E xample can be students taking sociology course in the present semester. They might be together only for the semester and may never see each other. Co-workers at a place of work, members of a political party could be other examples.

Secondary groups have the opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to plan a holiday party A classroom project group –an example of secondary group at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won't necessarily remain close beyond the holiday party.

Other common examples of secondary groups are class project groups, college classes, sports teams, work teams, and neighborhoods. All of these groups are only temporary - even if they last for a year - and the relationships within the group are fairly shallow and typically touch-and-go. Of course, there are times when we do meet people in secondary groups that become a part of one of our primary groups. This demonstrates that the distinction between primary and secondary groups isn't always absolute or concrete. You may meet your best friend at work or school in a secondary group, and he or she then becomes a member of your primary group.

Summary of primary and secondary groups

Importance of primary groups in sociology Primary groups are important in several senses. They are equally important for individual as well as society. It is also equally important for child, youth and adults. Because they prepare individuals to lead a successful social life. Primary group is the first group with which a child comes in contact at the prime stage of his life. It is the birth place of human nature. Primary group plays a very important role in the socialization process and exercises social control over them. With the help of primary group we learn and use culture. They perform a number of functions for individual as well as society which show their importance.

1. Primary group shapes personality of individuals. It plays a very important role in molding, shaping and developing the personality of an individual. Because individual first come in contact with primary group. Individual is socialized in a primary group. It forms the social nature, ideas and ideals of individuals. His self develops in primary groups. A child learns social norms, standards, beliefs, morals, values, sacrifice, co-operation, sympathy and culture in a primary group.

2. Primary group fulfills different psychological needs of an individual such as love, affection, fellow feeling, co-operation, companionship and exchange of thought. In primary group he lives among his near and dear ones. It plays an important role in the reduction of emotional stresses and mental tensions. Participation with primary groups provides a sense of belongingness to individuals. He considers himself as an important member of group.

3. Individual lives a spontaneous living in a primary group. Spontaneity is more directly and clearly revealed in a primary group. Because of this spontaneous living members of a primary group come freely together in an informal manner. These informal groups satisfy the need for spontaneous living.

4. Primary group provide a stimulus to each of its members in the pursuit of interest. The presence of others i.e. near and dear ones in a group acts as a stimulus to each. Here members get help, co-operation and inspiration from others. The interest is keenly appreciated and more ardently followed when it is shared by all the members. It is effectively pursued together. 5. Primary group provides security to all its members. Particularly it provides security to the children, old and invalids. It also provides security to its members at the time of need. A member always feels a kind of emotional support and feels that there is someone on his side.

6. Primary groups acts as an agency of social control. It exercises control over the behavior of its members and regulates their relations in an informal way. Hence there is no chance of individual member going astray. It teaches individuals to work according to the prescribed rules and regulations.

7. Primary group develops democratic spirit within itself. It develops the quality of love, affection, sympathy, co-operation, mutual help and sacrifice, tolerance and equality among its members.

8. Primary group introduces individuals to society. It teaches them how to lead a successful life in a society. It is the breeding ground of his mores and nurses his loyalties. K. Davis is right when he opines that “the primary group in the form of family initiates us into the secrets of society”. It helps the individual to internal social norms and learns culture.

9. Primary group increases the efficiency of individuals by creating a favorable atmosphere of work. It provides them security and teaches many good qualities.

10. Primary groups also fulfill different needs of society. It is the nucleus of all social organizations.

Some of the main characteristics of secondary groups 1. Large Size: Secondary groups are large in size. They comprise of a large number of members and these members may spread all over the world. For example, the Red Cross Society, it‟s members scattered all over the world. Because of this large size indirect relations found among the members. 2. Voluntary Membership: The membership of a secondary group is voluntary in nature. Whether one will be a member of a secondary group or not it depends on his own volition. No one can compel him to be a member of any secondary group. It is not essential that one should be a member of a particular political party.

3. Formal, Indirect and Impersonal Relation: The relations among the members of a secondary group are indirect, formal and impersonal type. People do not develop personal relations among themselves. Relations in a secondary group are not face-to- face rather touch and go type and casual. They interact among themselves in accordance with formal rules and regulations. Because of large size it is not possible to establish direct relations among themselves; one is not directly concerned with the other aspects of his fellow‟s life. Contact and relation among member are mainly indirect.

4. Active and Inactive Members: In a secondary group we found both active as well as inactive members. Some members became more active while others remain inactive. This is due to the absence of intimate and personal relations among the members. For example in a political party some members do not take active interest while some others take active interest in party work.

5. Formal Rules: A secondary group is characterized by formal or written rules. These formal rules and regulations exercises control over its members. A secondary group is organised and regulated by formal rules and regulations. A formal authority is set up and a clear cut division of labor is made. He who do not obey these formal rules and regulations losses his membership.

6. Status of an individual depends on his role : It is another important characteristic of a secondary group. Because in a secondary group the status and position of each and every member depends on his role that he plays in the group. Birth or Personal qualities do not decide one‟s status in a secondary group. 7. Individuality in Person : Secondary group is popularly known as „special interest groups‟. Because people became member of secondary group to fulfill their self-interest. Hence they always give stress on the fulfillment of their self-interests. After fulfillment of these interests they are no longer interested in the group. As a result in secondary group individuality in person is found.

8. Self-dependence among Members : Self-dependency among members is another important characteristic of a secondary group. Because of the large size of the secondary group the relations among the members are indirect and impersonal. Members are also selfish. As a result each member tries to safeguard and fulfill his own interest by himself

9. Dissimilar Ends: Secondary group is characterized by dissimilar ends. The members of a secondary group have different and diverse ends. To fulfill their diverse ends people join in a secondary group.

10 . Relationship is a means to an end:

Secondary relations are not an end in itself rather it is a means to an end. Establishment of relationship is not an end rather individual establish relationship to fulfill his self-interest. They became friends for specific purposes.

11. Formal Social Control: A secondary group exercises control over its members in formal ways such as police, court, army etc. Formal means of social control plays an important role in a secondary group.

12. Division of Labor: A secondary group is characterized by division of labor. The duties, functions and responsibilities of members are clearly defined. Each member has to perform his allotted functions. In-Groups and Out-Groups

In-group is social group commanding a member's esteem and loyalty. My pronouns: I feel I belong to them. Others: I am outside them. In-group exists in relation to an out-group. Out-group is a social group toward which one feels in competition or opposition A New Group: Emergence of Electronic Communities

In the 1990s, due to technology, an entirely new type of human group made its appearance through Internet. These are the people who have a relationship with one another and who think of themselves as belonging together. Internet is a series of thousands of computers hooked together worldwide. On the Internet, thousands of newsgroups, called use nets, people who communicate on almost any conceivable topic. This ne w way of communicating has developed out of new technology. New forms of electronic communication, sometimes called the information superhighway or cyberspace, have made our homes "less bounded environment". While remaining within the walls of our hom es, we can instantly "travel" electronically to previously remote settings around the world. There, we can share information with people who have never met, or seen, and even develop friendship with them. T he result is a new type of group known as an electronic community. In some cases, the term "electronic primary group" seems more appropriate to refer to this new type of group, for people regularly interact with one another, share personal information, identify with one another, and develop a sense of intimacy - even though they have "met" only electronically. The virtual world has altered the components of traditional social groups. Whereas before, groups were characterized primarily by face-to-face interactions, since the late-20th century, many individuals have formed strong identity bonds with others via online groups. Especially among younger people, the virtual world and the "real" world flow seamlessly into one another, with individuals who meet on the Internet becoming face-to-face friends. On the other hand, many friends who initially meet face to face conduct most of their interactions via online communications or text messages on their mobile phones. Reference Groups

Other type of group is a reference group. Reference groups are groups that we look to for guidance in order to evaluate our behaviors and attitudes. They are basically generalized versions of role models. You may or may not belong to the group, but you use its standards of measurement as a frame of reference. For example, if a teenager wants to know if s/he is slim enough, she may use supermodels as a reference. Or, if a recent college graduate is unsure if an offered salary is fair, s/he may use the average starting salary of graduates from his school as a reference. Frequently, people hope to be identified with their reference groups (especially if they aren't members of them), so they try to act like those they think typify these groups. If your reference group is a particular athletic team, you will dress, speak, and act quite differently than if your reference group is a local wine club. So, a reference group helps to shape not only a person's expectations and outlook but also appearance and style. A reference group shares a set of characteristics that are identified by others to identify members of the group. In some instances, individuals who have been assigned to a reference group do not actually share the identity characteristic of other members of the reference group. One example of a reference group is a racial group. Peer Group A peer group is made up of individuals of roughly equal status in a number of important areas such as age or social status. Peer group members generally interact with one another frequently. Teenage cliques are one example of a peer group. Voluntary versus Involuntary Social Groups Individuals may become members of a group by choice, in which case they are said to be members of a voluntary social group. On the other hand, when a social group label is imposed on an individual against his wishes, it is said that he is a member of an involuntary social group. Factors Enforcing Group Formation

1. Psychological factors

According to Prof. Giddings group is the result of “consciousness of kind” it means recognition of similarities. Group provides opportunity to develop personality. Reaction to fear is the psychological force for grouping. According to Herbert Spencer “The fear of the living produced the state and the fear of the dead produced the religion”.

2. Biological factors

Sex desire and progeny have drawn nearer man and women into group called family.

3. Kinship bond

Kinship means blood relationship which attract human to live together as a family. However, in modern times, the influence and hold of the kinship factors are declining due to urbanization, industrialization and other processes.

4. Geographic factors

Geographic factors such as climate, natural resources, rivers, mountains play the crucial role in helping people to have social relations with others. The fact of living in a particular physical area has made possible for people to have regular contacts. These contacts are the basis requirement of the social groups 5. Cultural factors

The common cultural outlook and group interests together have long constituted a significant element in promoting group life. Common language, common beliefs, values, attitudes, customs, tradition and educational heritage have all served to bring people together and strengthen them into groups.

6. Economic Factors

The need for food, shelter clothing and fulfillment of other basic needs creates economic groups. The major economic process like production, distribution and exchange takes place only under certain groups. Economic groping has become more prominent especially after industrial revolution of the 19th century.

7. Religious Factors

Worshiping, meditation, prayer, singing song in praise of Gods etc. are the religious activities of the human. Religion brings people together into different religious group according to their beliefs.

8. Political Factors

The need for safety, security of life, liberty and property and pursuit of happiness has brought people together into different groups. Particularly, the democratic practice encourages people to have their own political group.

9. Other factors

Other factors like common occupations or profession, common language, common historic traditions, common educational heritage, common faith, belief, values, attitudes etc. also have made people to form groups.

Some Assignment Questions

1. What do you meant by group? Explain.

2. What are the major characteristics of groups? Explain.

3. Explain different types of group in brief. 4. Distinguish between primary and secondary groups with suitable example

5. What are the major factors which influence to form a group? Explain.

6. Explain the role of group in business promotion.

Bibliography

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