Post on 12-Aug-2015
• Distinguish between the following non groups: Aggregate of people Category of people • Define a social group • Give a detailed explanation of various characteristics
of the social group • Distinguish between primary and secondary groups
under the following: Definition Examples Characteristics Functions
Learning Outcomes
• Distinguish between the following social
groups: Expressive and instrumental In and out Open and closed Vertical and horizontal Permanent and temporary Voluntary and involuntary
Learning OutcomesContinued
Social Groups
A Social Group consist of a number of people among whom interaction takes place with a view to achieving a common ( or similar) goal.
The interaction follows certain patterns and a group sentiment (awareness of similarity) and shared group norms arise among the members.
Group members - small group: +/- 20 members - limited entry/no limit Large group: > 20 members Interaction and patterns of interaction - presence of two or more people - dependent on one another - differs among groups - Wilson: group unity (solidarity)
Characteristics of a social group
Common/similar group goals - interdepended - interaction - coordinated goals Group sentiment/group awareness - aware of membership - recognise themselves and others - sense of belonging
Characteristics of a social group
Group norms - rules, conduct - developed over time - to ensure what is expected, is delivered - pressure - negative/positive sanctions
Characteristics of a social group
Non Groups
1) Aggregate of people
Shares an area No interaction No communication Do not act as a unit
2) Social Categories
Selected on the basis of certain shared characteristics
Common characteristic
No intention of interaction
a group held together by relationships formed
by family and environmental associations, regarded as basic to social life and culture
Eg family, friends, love relationships
Primary GroupsDefined
Characteristics of Primary Groups
Few members Face to face
relationships Emotional security Constant contact Informal interaction
Primary Group - A couple embraces one another in a personal, intimate relationship
a group of people with whom one's contacts
are detached and impersonal
Eg classroom, place of employment
Secondary GroupDefined
Large in size Definite aims Voluntary membership Formal, indirect and impersonal relation Active/inactive members Formal rules
Characteristics of Secondary Group
FUNCTIONS
Primary Group Shaping of personality Nb group for individual-
sense of belonging Fulfills psychological needs Spontaneity stimulus in the pursuit of
interest Security agency of social control
Secondary Group
Created to carry out tasks
Creates/maintain order
Increases efficiency Wider outlook
EXPRESSIVE GROUP- Expressive ties are social links formed when we emotionally invest ourselves in and commit ourselves to other people.
- Through association with people who are meaningful to us, we achieve a sense of security, love, acceptance, companionship, and personal worth.
INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS- Social links formed when we
cooperate with other people to achieve some goal
- Purpose- Task group- Eg nursing professionals as
they provide a task by caring for the patients
The in- group and the out- group
The in-group Symbols, names,
slogans, clothing Self positive evaluation Mutual
identification/loyalty Tend to compete Evaluation of social
behaviour
The out- group
Opposite of the in-group
Viewed as negative by the in-group
Both groups use as reference
The in- group and the out- group example
‘the in group identified at school level among kids VS the nerds’
IN-GROUPOUT-
GROUP
Vertical and horizontal groups
Vertical groups
Different social and economical classes
Eg church
Horizontal groups
More or less the same financial, occupational social background
Eg DENOSA
Permanent and temporary groups
Permanent groups
Eg the family Long term existence
Temporary groups
Eg residence in a neighborhood who exist for a short while to form a pressure group
Short term existence Group dissolves after
request have been met
Open and closed groups
Open groups
No limitations Any person can join Eg Facebook, Twitter
Closed groups
Limitations Requirements Eg SANC
Voluntary and involuntary groups
Voluntary groups
Occupational groups, eg teachers nurses
Made a decision
Involuntary groups
Not based on a decision
Eg family