Social Groups

(a) Types and examples of social groups: primary; secondary; formal; informal; peer; interest; voluntary and involuntary groups.

Human beings are naturally social beings, we are born into a group called a family. Daily, we interact with several groups. Social groups are a collection of two or more people who come together repeatedly. They have some level of permanence and interact with one another. They have some characteristics in common and a sense of unity. Groups are essential to meet our needs and wants.

Primary Groups: Primary groups are intimate small groups based largely on long-term face-to-face interaction, and typically based on relationships or connections.

Secondary Groups: A secondary group is any large group of people who share a purpose and work toward a common interest or goal.

Formal Groups: A social group with formal structure, membership requirements, and formerly chosen leadership.

Informal Groups: A social group with no written rules or membership requirements.

Peer Groups: These are social groups composed of people who are roughly the same age or social status.

Interest Groups: These are social groups that are formed around a shared interest or activity. Interest groups can be social or activity-oriented.

Voluntary Groups: These are social groups that people choose to join. They are formed around a shared interest, goal, or cause.

Involuntary Groups: These are social groups that people are forced or born into.

Examples of primary, secondary, formal, and informal groups found in the Caribbean.

With the rich culture and diversity in the Caribbean, there exist a number of social groups.

👉 ACTIVITY: Differentiate between formal and informal groups and primary and secondary groups. 

(b) Characteristics of social groups:

All gatherings are not classified as a social group. They may have similar characteristics, but it may take more than to be considered a social group. An organized social group will have some of these following characteristics:

(i)  Structure:
In social groups there is some level of organization. This is more evident in formal groups. Groups laws outline the structure in the formal groups for example, formal groups may have a president or leader followed by a vice president or deputy. These leadership have outlined roles and members know how to relate to each.

(ii)  Common goals;
Each group has roles, particular results or achievement they are working towards. Some goals are clearly outlined why others may be more informal.

(iii)  Membership:
Membership may be voluntary or involuntary as we make the choice to be in some groups, while others we have no choice. All in all, we are all part of one group or another.

(iv)  Marks of identity: 
Common symbols or marks of identity are important for group identification. They also give groups a sense of pride and belonging. Some groups have a uniform while others may have no known identification as a mean to hide their identity. However, the group members knows the mark of identity for group members.

(v)  Common needs, interest and values:
Some groups are created as people feel the need for them. Individuals join these groups as they feel a sense of purpose, or it may serve a particular need they may have.

(vi)  Rules and regulations:
These are outlined to guide the interactions in the group as they work towards their goals. Rules also outline the rewards, sanctions, and reprimands if they are kept or broken.

(vii)  Established patterns of behaviour:
Some groups are established to promote socially acceptable behaviour. This may be done by demonstrating the behaviour or teaching it.

(viii)  Cooperation to achieve group goals:
Members collaborate to achieve their set goals. Working together is important for groups as this allows the groups to accomplish the tasks they set out to achieve.

(ix)   Sanctions:
If a member does not cooperate with the group, there are restrictions that they may have to go through in order to stay apart of the group. These help to keep the group formal and in place as members would understand that if they go against particular rules they may have penalties.

All these characteristics are not evident in informal groups, but most are present in formal groups.  Some formal groups have these characteristics clearly identified for example, Girls Guides may have these explicitly outlined while a group in school that play sports together may change their rules and regulations time after time. 

(c) Requirements for cohesion in groups and institutions;

In society there are cultures, so do have groups. There are individuals in the group who have different personalities and habits. On the other people behave similarly and adopt similar practices in groups. Certain conditions must exist to keep the group cohesive or together. In order for the group to survive, individuals must take into account the following:
a) Leadership
Leadership is an important element for any group. Leaders must have good character traits for the group to survive. Leaders must be honest, dependable, and trustworthy, just to name a few. A leader is someone who directs or guides a group or institution. There are three main types of leaders:

                a) Democratic Leader: This type of leader supports feedback from the group members. They share the authority with the group. They take into consideration the skills and talents of other group members and use these to ensure the success of the group. The members of this group feel comfortable being in this group. The leader acts as a facilitator and interacts with the group members. 

                b) Autocratic Leader: The authoritarian leader is not necessarily interested in the views of the group members and makes all decisions by him or herself. They usually does what he or she sees fit then informs the group members. This type of leader may be necessary when there is an emergency or life-threatening situation and there is no time for discussion. The group members have to do exactly what they are told to do. 

                c) Laissez-faire Leader: Laissez-faire in French simply means leave alone. This type of leader takes an ‘anything goes approach.’ The group members function on their own. The group members may take part in the decision-making process but then take over the decision in the group. The group leader’s participation is minimal, and the group members get to do as they please.

👉 ACTIVITY: Match each of the following types and characteristics of group leaders. 

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