Sociology UNIT 5

Social structure and Social groups (Definition of social groups and structure and their characteristics)

Characteristics of Social Groups

1. Reciprocal relationships 2. Sense of Unity 3. We-feeling 4. Common Interests 5. Similar Behaviour 6. Group Norms

Difference between Social Group and Potential Group

Differences between Group and Society Groups 1. Collection of human beings 2. An artificial creation 3. Membership is voluntary 4. Group is always organized 5. A specific purpose 6. Marked by group co-operation 7. Group may be temporary Society 1. A system of relationships 2. A natural growth 3. Membership is compulsory Society may be unorganized 5. General purpose Marked by both co-operation and conflict 7. Society is permanent.

Differences between Group and Institution

Groups 1. Collection of human beings 2. An artificial creation 3. Group may be temporary.

Institution 1. Institution is a set of folkways and mores 2. Institution is natural growth 3. Institution is comparatively permanent.

Differences between Group and Institution

Groups 1. Group is an artificial creation. 2. Group is formed to realize some specific purpose. 3. Membership of group is voluntary. 4. Group may be temporary. 5. Group is a part of community.

Community 1. Community is a natural growth. 2. Community includes the whole circle of social life. 3. Membership of Community is compulsory. 4. Community is comparatively permanent. 5. Community is a whole.

Characteristic of Primary Group. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Physical proximity Small size Stability Similarity of background Limited self interest Intensity of shared interests Importance of Primary Group for the individuals and for Society 1. Spontaneous Living 2. Provision of Stimulus 3. United in Process

Characteristic of Secondary Group. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Formal and Impersonal Relationship Large in Size Option of membership Active and Inactive member Relations Formal Rules Status of Individual Depends on his role Goal Oriented Importance of Secondary Group 1. Effectiveness 2. Channels of Opportunity 3. Wider Overlook