Social group

Social Group

A Social Group (pronunciation: /ˈsoʊʃəl ɡruːp/) is a collection of individuals who interact with each other and share similar characteristics and a sense of unity.

Etymology

The term "Social Group" originates from the Latin word "socius" meaning "companion" or "associate" and the Old English word "grōp" meaning "a number of persons" or "a cluster".

Definition

A Social Group can be defined as two or more humans who interact with one another, share similar characteristics and collectively have a sense of unity. This is not to be confused with a Social Gathering, which may consist of individuals who interact but do not necessarily share similar characteristics or a sense of unity.

Types of Social Groups

There are various types of Social Groups, including:

• Primary Group: This is a small social group whose members share personal and lasting relationships. These groups are marked by members' concern for one another and often have a significant impact on the individuals involved.

• Secondary Group: This is a large and impersonal social group whose members pursue a specific goal or activity. Secondary groups are characterized by much less personal ties and are more formal compared to primary groups.

• In-Group and Out-Group: An in-group is a social group to which a person psychologically identifies as being a member. By contrast, an out-group is a social group with which an individual does not identify.

• Reference Group: This is a group to which an individual or another group is compared. Reference groups are used in order to evaluate and determine the nature of a given individual or other group's characteristics and sociological attributes.

Related Terms

• Group Dynamics
• Peer Group
• Social Network
• Social Structure
• Social System

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Social group
• Wikipedia's article - Social group

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