Social groups

By C. Settley

Social GroupsStudy Unit 6

• Distinguish between the following non groups: Aggregate of people Category of people • Define a social group • Give a detailed explanation of various characteristics

of the social group • Distinguish between primary and secondary groups

under the following: Definition Examples Characteristics Functions

Learning Outcomes

• Distinguish between the following social

groups: Expressive and instrumental In and out Open and closed Vertical and horizontal Permanent and temporary Voluntary and involuntary

Learning OutcomesContinued

What is your

understanding of a social group?

Social Groups

A Social Group consist of a number of people among whom interaction takes place with a view to achieving a common ( or similar) goal.

The interaction follows certain patterns and a group sentiment (awareness of similarity) and shared group norms arise among the members.

Group members - small group: +/- 20 members - limited entry/no limit Large group: > 20 members Interaction and patterns of interaction - presence of two or more people - dependent on one another - differs among groups - Wilson: group unity (solidarity)

Characteristics of a social group

Common/similar group goals - interdepended - interaction - coordinated goals Group sentiment/group awareness - aware of membership - recognise themselves and others - sense of belonging

Characteristics of a social group

Group norms - rules, conduct - developed over time - to ensure what is expected, is delivered - pressure - negative/positive sanctions

Characteristics of a social group

Non Groups

1) Aggregate of people

Shares an area No interaction No communication Do not act as a unit

2) Social Categories

Selected on the basis of certain shared characteristics

Common characteristic

No intention of interaction

a group held together by relationships formed

by family and environmental associations, regarded as basic to social life and culture

Eg family, friends, love relationships

Primary GroupsDefined

Characteristics of Primary Groups

Few members Face to face

relationships Emotional security Constant contact Informal interaction

Primary Group - A couple embraces one another in a personal, intimate relationship

a group of people with whom one's contacts

are detached and impersonal

Eg classroom, place of employment

Secondary GroupDefined

Large in size Definite aims Voluntary membership Formal, indirect and impersonal relation Active/inactive members Formal rules

Characteristics of Secondary Group

FUNCTIONS

Primary Group Shaping of personality Nb group for individual-

sense of belonging Fulfills psychological needs Spontaneity stimulus in the pursuit of

interest Security agency of social control

Secondary Group

Created to carry out tasks

Creates/maintain order

Increases efficiency Wider outlook

Sense of belonging: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs!

Characteristic and function of primary group

TYPES OF SOCIAL GROUPS

EXPRESSIVE GROUP- Expressive ties are social links formed when we emotionally invest ourselves in and commit ourselves to other people.

- Through association with people who are meaningful to us, we achieve a sense of security, love, acceptance, companionship, and personal worth.

INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS- Social links formed when we

cooperate with other people to achieve some goal

- Purpose- Task group- Eg nursing professionals as

they provide a task by caring for the patients

The in- group and the out- group

The in-group Symbols, names,

slogans, clothing Self positive evaluation Mutual

identification/loyalty Tend to compete Evaluation of social

behaviour

The out- group

Opposite of the in-group

Viewed as negative by the in-group

Both groups use as reference

The in- group and the out- group example

‘the in group identified at school level among kids VS the nerds’

IN-GROUPOUT-

GROUP

Vertical and horizontal groups

Vertical groups

Different social and economical classes

Eg church

Horizontal groups

More or less the same financial, occupational social background

Eg DENOSA

Permanent and temporary groups

Permanent groups

Eg the family Long term existence

Temporary groups

Eg residence in a neighborhood who exist for a short while to form a pressure group

Short term existence Group dissolves after

request have been met

Open and closed groups

Open groups

No limitations Any person can join Eg Facebook, Twitter

Closed groups

Limitations Requirements Eg SANC

Voluntary and involuntary groups

Voluntary groups

Occupational groups, eg teachers nurses

Made a decision

Involuntary groups

Not based on a decision

Eg family

Appelbaum, R. P., Carr, D., Duneir, M.,

Giddens, A., 2009, "Conformity, Deviance, and Crime." Introduction to Sociology, New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., p 137.

References