Types of Groups

Introduction

Types of social groups refer to categorising interactions within social groups based on the numerous group dynamics that constitute a social organisation in the social sciences. In sociological terms, groups can be separated based on how and to what extent their nature influences people. For example, the main group is a small social group with intimate, personal, and long-lasting relationships (e.g., family, childhood friends). On the other hand, a secondary group is one where interactions are less intimate than in a primary group and are often focused on shared interests, activities, and/or reaching a goal outside of the relationship (e.g., coworkers, schoolmates).

Meaning of group

The term “group” is amorphous, referring to anything from two people (think of a “group project” in school where you pair with another student) to a club, a regular gathering of friends, or people who work together or have a passion in common. In a nutshell, the phrase refers to any group of at least two people who regularly engage with each other and have a sense of belonging to the group. Of course, any gathering of people is not always a group. For example, a rally is usually a one-time event, and membership in a political party does not indicate interaction with others.

Characteristics of Group

• A group comprises two or more persons who consider themselves part of it. They also consider themselves as distinct from the rest of the crowd.
• A group’s members share common motivations and objectives. The group members either work toward accomplishing a certain goal or remove the risks that the group is facing.
• Members of a group are dependent on one another, which means that what one member of the group does may have ramifications.
• Different members of a group are responsible for distinct tasks and are expected to achieve different goals for the group. In a nutshell, distinct roles are played by different members of the group. Members are sometimes assigned duties, although they often acquire them over time.
• A system of norms or roles governs how members of a group interact. Norms describe how members of a group are expected to behave.

Types of Groups

There are mainly three types of groups in psychology.

• Primary and secondary groups
• Formal and informal groups
• Ingroup and outgroup
  
  

Primary and secondary groups

The former frequently have an organised structure, formal rules, and an authority figure who controls the rules, members, and the project or activity in which the group is involved, which is an essential contrast between secondary and primary groups. On the other hand, primary groups are often loosely organised, with rules that are more likely to be implicit and passed down through socialisation. 

While it’s vital to grasp the differences between primary and secondary groups and the various types of relationships that distinguish them, it’s equally important to note that the two can overlap. For instance, a person may meet someone in a secondary group who becomes a close personal friend or a romantic partner who becomes a spouse over time. These people form a part of the person’s immediate social circle.

Formal and informal groups

When a group is formed to achieve a certain organisational goal or job, it is called a formal group. An official authority makes it for a specific reason. A formal group, either a command or a functional group, comprises managers and subordinates who meet regularly to discuss general and specific ideas for improving products or services. Even though the structure of formal groups might vary, they normally function under the supervision of a single supervisor.

On the other hand, informal groups are formed by the members of such groups themselves, instead of formal groups, which are formed by organisations to fulfil specific goals. They emerge organically as a result of organisational members’ shared interests. They arise naturally and have shared interests such as self-defence, labour aid, and social contact with no formal classification. Informal groups can have their own set of leaders and followers and their own set of goals, social positions, and working patterns. They have their unwritten norms and a code of conduct that all members accept implicitly.

Ingroup and outgroup

Another type of group is Ingroup. In-groups are the groups to which a person belongs and feels a sense of allegiance. Outgroups are those to whom he has no attachment or affection and for whom he may feel hate, distrust, hostility, dread, or even hatred. A country, ethnicity, religious sect, or neighbourhood group is considered inferior to one’s own and is treated with prejudice or hate. SES, family, and regional forces all play a role in the emergence and spread of bias.

Conclusion

Groups have a vital role in our lives. Groups, according to evolutionary theory, are important for human survival. Groups meet various social and psychological requirements, including a sense of belonging, the ability to give and receive attention, love, and power. They also provide members with significant benefits, including enhanced self-awareness, progress toward vital goals, and self-improvement. We have also studied the types of groups in detail.