• Society consists of groups and starts with an aggregate of people.
• Mere congregation of people does not make them a social group.
• A social group exists when two or more people are in direct or indirect contact and communication.
• Members of a group stimulate and respond to each other in a meaningful way.
• This mutual stimulation and response is social interaction.
• Social interaction is the foundation of society, influencing both society and culture.
• Social interaction is the most elemental social phenomenon, from which all other social phenomena emerge.
• When interaction recurs often enough to form a pattern of behavior, a social relation exists.
• Social relations can be friendly or unfriendly, intimate or non-intimate, inclusive or non-inclusive, specialized or non-specialized.
• The nature of social relationships determines different types of social groups such as primary, secondary, in-groups, out-groups, organized, unorganized, formal, and informal groups.
• Man is a social animal, as stated by Aristotle, who said man is naturally inclined to live in society.
• Isolation or living without society is abnormal and detrimental to survival, except for rare cases like hermits or prisoners in solitary confinement.
• Society and group life are essential for human survival and well-being.
• Being completely isolated from one’s group is one of the cruelest punishments.
• The term ‘group’ lacks precision and is used in various ways, such as family group, kin group, racial group, etc.
• In sociology, the term ‘group’ is not always used consistently, sometimes referring to large or small groups.
• The word ‘group’ is used loosely and lacks specific definitions, making it difficult to define precisely.

DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUP

Definition

• Harry M. Johnson defines a social group as a system of social interaction.
• Marshal Jones states that a social group consists of two or more people with an established pattern of interaction.
• R.M. Maclver and Page describe a social group as any collection of human beings brought into human relationshipswith one another.
• Ogburn and Nimkoff define a social group as any situation where two or more individuals come together and influence each other.
• Emary S. Bogardus defines a social group as two or more persons who share common objects of attention, stimulate each other, have common loyalty, and participate in similar activities.

Characteristics of Social Groups

• Collection of Individuals: A social group consists of people. Without individuals, there is no group.
• Interaction Among Members: Social interaction is the basis of group life. A group is a system of social interaction, and its limits are defined by the extent of this interaction.
• Mutual Awareness: Group members are aware of one another, and their behavior is shaped by mutual recognition. This is linked to consciousness of kind.
• We-feeling: Refers to the unity of group members who identify with the group, creating sympathy and cooperation. It helps defend collective interests.
• Group Unity and Solidarity: Members are tied by a sense of unity. The group’s solidarity depends on the frequency, variety, and emotional quality of interactions. Frequent contact fosters loyalty and high morale.
• Common Interests: Groups are formed to fulfill certain interests. These interests shape the type of group (e.g., political, religious, economic, racial, etc.).
• Similar Behaviour: Members exhibit similar behavior to pursue common interests. Social groups represent collective behavior.
• Group Norms: Groups have their own rules or norms (e.g., customs, traditions, laws). These can be written or unwritten. Norms help maintain group life and define consequences for violations.
• Size of the Group: Groups vary in size, from small groups (e.g., dyad, such as a husband-and-wife-family) to large groups (e.g., political parties). The size impacts the group’s character.
• Groups are Dynamic: Social groups are dynamic and subject to change, whether slow or rapid. Changes may occur due to internal or external pressures.
• Stability: Groups can be stable or unstable. Some are temporary (e.g., crowds, mobs), while others are more permanent and stable.
• Influence on Personality: Social groups shape the personality of their members and provide opportunities for expressing individuality.