Definition of Social Groups

In social science, a social group is defined as two or more people who are joined together by some shared bond or affinity. Different types of groups may overlap with one another. Also, a given individual may belong to more than one group, although he may identify with one group more deeply than another. Group status can be acquired or lost instantly or assigned to an individual by outside observers.

Characteristics of a Social Group

There are four characteristics that are common to social groups. First, there must be direct interaction between the members. Second, members must be aware of being members of the group. Third, members usually share a common interest or cause. Fourth, there should be some organizational structure to the group, whether formal or informal.

Primary Group

A primary group is small, rarely consisting of more than 20 members. Interactions between primary group members are usually intense and highly personal. Primary groups also tend to persist over extended periods of time.

Secondary Group

A secondary group lacks one or more of the elements that define a primary group. Most often, the lacking element is a strong emotional tie between members. Other characteristics of secondary groups could be infrequent interactions or a transient duration for the group.

Reference Group

A reference group shares a set of characteristics that are identified by others to identify members of the group. In some instances, individuals who have been assigned to a reference group do not actually share the the identity characteristic of other members of the reference group. One example of a reference group is a racial group.

Peer Group

A peer group is made up of individuals of roughly equal status in a number of important areas such as age or social status. Peer group members generally interact with one another frequently. Teenage cliques are one example of a peer group.

Voluntary Versus Involuntary Social Groups

Individuals may become members of a group by choice, in which case they are said to be members of a voluntary social group. On the other hand, when a social group label is imposed on an individual against his wishes, it is said that he is a member of an involuntary social group.

Considerations

The virtual world has altered the components of traditional social groups. Whereas before, groups were characterized primarily by face-to-face interactions, since the late-20th century, many individuals have formed strong identity bonds with others via online groups. Especially among younger people, the virtual world and the "real" world flow seamlessly into one another, with individuals who meet on the Internet becoming face-to-face friends. On the other hand, many friends who initially meet face to face conduct most of their interactions via online communications or text messages on their mobile phones.