Lecture 3 Types of the SOCIAL GROUP

[Virtual Presenter] Social groups are collections of individuals who share common characteristics, interests, or experiences that unite them. This presentation will examine various types of social groups, examining how they come together and operate..

[Audio] Social groups are the fundamental units of society, and understanding them is crucial in studying sociology. These groups are formed when individuals with similar characteristics come together, sharing common interests, values, and norms. They provide a sense of belonging, identity, and support, allowing individuals to learn and adapt cultural norms..

[Audio] Social groups play a significant role in agriculture. They enable extension agents to interact with multiple individuals simultaneously, allowing for more effective communication and information sharing. This approach is also cost-effective compared to other methods of stimulating action. Furthermore, group discussions allow individuals to enhance their knowledge and understanding, and engage in in-depth conversations about agricultural practices..

[Audio] A social group is composed of individuals who share common interests or goals. This element is crucial in defining a social group, as it provides a sense of unity and purpose among its members..

[Audio] Individuals who share one or more characteristics such as age or occupation, but who are not in interaction with each other, form a category. On the other hand, individuals who are physically present together, but not engaging with each other, constitute an aggregate..

[Audio] Individuals can be classified into two main categories when defining a social group. A Category refers to individuals who share certain characteristics but are not necessarily interacting with one another. For instance, people who possess similar physical attributes, such as height or eye color, may not have any direct interaction. On the other hand, an Aggregate refers to individuals who are physically present together but are not actively engaging with each other. This could include people who are simply standing in the same room or area, but are not necessarily communicating or interacting..

[Audio] Social groups can be classified into several categories. One way is based on whether they are primary or secondary. Primary groups are formed through personal relationships and are usually small, such as families and close friendships. Secondary groups, on the other hand, are formed for a specific purpose and are often larger, like work colleagues and school classes. Another classification is based on the type of relationship within the group, with formal groups having a clear structure and rules, and informal groups being more relaxed. Groups can also be classified based on their functioning within an organization, with voluntary groups being formed by individuals who willingly come together for a specific goal, and involuntary groups being formed due to external circumstances. Additionally, there are delegate groups, where a representative speaks on behalf of the group, and in-groups and out-groups, where an individual belongs to one and identifies with it, or does not belong to it. Lastly, there are reference groups, which are used for comparison and influence an individual's behavior and beliefs..

[Audio] Primary groups are small in size, typically consisting of fewer than 20 to 30 individuals. These groups foster personal and intimate relationships among their members, characterized by much face-to-face communication. They also exhibit great permanence, with members spending extended periods together. Informality is prevalent, and these groups often lack formal structures such as names, offices, or regular meeting places. Examples of primary groups include families, friendship circles, and playgroups. On the other hand, secondary groups are larger in size and feature impersonal and aloof relationships among their members. Face-to-face communication is limited, and these groups tend to be temporary, with members spending little time together. Formality prevails, and they often have established names, offices, and regular meeting places. Examples of secondary groups include political parties, labor unions, and professional associations..

[Audio] In many rural areas, sociologists have discovered that primary groups play a significant role in determining the productivity of farms. Moreover, these groups motivate and support one another during times of conflict. Furthermore, while the number of secondary groups has been increasing in recent years, primary groups remain crucial..

[Audio] People can be motivated to form groups to secure themselves economically, socially, psychologically, and spiritually; to satisfy their physiological needs; to achieve their goals; and to adopt new practices in agriculture..

[Audio] There are two main categories of groups where a person becomes a member based on whether they represent others or choose to join voluntarily. A delegate group is one type, where a person joins as a representative of a number of people, either elected by them or nominated by some power. For instance, representatives of parliament fall into this category. On the other hand, involuntary groups exist where persons become members not according to their choice, such as through birth, residence, or location. Families, neighborhoods, and communities are examples of these types of groups. Additionally, there are voluntary groups where a person chooses to join based on their own preferences, like friendships, playgroups, or clubs. These groups typically have a name, written purpose, and regular meetings..

[Audio] People can join a social group based on their personal feelings, where they feel a sense of belonging and connection with others who share similar attitudes and values. This type of group is characterized by individuals who feel a strong emotional bond with their own social groups, such as family, class, or mosque. For instance, someone may feel a strong sense of belonging to their family due to shared values and traditions. Similarly, a person may feel connected to their class or club because of shared interests and goals. In these cases, people's personal feelings play a significant role in determining their membership in a social group..

[Audio] Reference groups are any groups that a person considers when evaluating their actions or characteristics. These groups can be used to make comparisons with oneself and one's performance. In many cases, religion plays a significant role in providing an important reference group that influences individual behavior. An individual may have multiple reference groups, and these groups can change over time..

[Audio] Social groups can be classified into different types based on various criteria. One way to categorize them is by looking at the type of relationship between members. Primary groups are those where individuals have a strong emotional bond with each other, such as in families or close friendships. Secondary groups, on the other hand, are those where the relationships are more formal and less intense, such as in clubs or organizations. Another way to classify social groups is by looking at their functioning or organization. Formal groups have a clear structure and rules, such as a company or government agency, while informal groups are more relaxed and flexible, such as a community or neighborhood. Additionally, social groups can also be classified based on the level of involvement or commitment required from its members. Voluntary groups are those where members choose to participate, involuntary groups are those where members are forced to participate, and delegate groups are those where members represent others. Finally, social groups can also be classified based on personal feelings and emotions. In-groups are those where individuals identify themselves with a particular group, while out-groups are those where individuals feel excluded from it. Reference groups serve as a point of comparison or aspiration for individuals..

Social Groups and Organization.

[Audio] People form groups because it allows them to secure themselves economically, socially, psychologically, and spiritually. They also form groups to satisfy their physiological needs, achieve their goals, and adopt new practices such as those related to agriculture..