Social group's and its types

Submitted by : Sadiqa (MT120232016)

Submitted to: Dr. Israr Ahmed
Subject: Sociology

KOHAT UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE &TECHNOLOGY

KOHAT

1
Social group's

Definition:
A social group is a collection of individuals who share
common characteristics, interests, or goals, and interact with
each other in a meaningful way. Social groups can be
defined by various factors, including, Demographics (age,
gender, race, ethnicity), Interests (hobbies, passions,
activities), Affiliations (organizations, clubs, teams), Status
(social class, occupation, education level) ,Geography
(neighborhood, city, country), Culture (language, religion,
traditions), Online communities (social media groups,
forums, online forums).

Social groups can provide, Sense of belonging and identity,

Support and solidarity, Opportunities for socialization and
friendship, Platforms for sharing ideas and experiences, A
feeling of connection and community.
Examples of social groups include,Friendship circles, Sports
teams , Religious organizations, Cultural associations, Online
forums, Neighborhood communities, Social clubs (book
clubs, hiking groups, etc.)

Types of Social group's

There are many types of social groups some of these are
given below,
1. Primary Groups
2. Secondary Groups
3. Reference Groups
4. Interest Groups
5. Community Groups
6. Cultural Groups
7. Virtual Groups
8. Task Groups

2
1.Primary Group's:
A primary social group is a small, intimate group of
individuals who share a strong sense of identity, belonging,
and emotional connection. Characteristics of primary social
groups includes, Small size, Intimacy, Face-to-face
interaction,Long-term relationships, Shared activities,
Emotional support, Sense of belonging.Examples of primary
social groups include:

1. Family (immediate and extended)

2. Close friendships (small circles of friends)
3. Nuclear families
4. Small religious groups (e.g., prayer circles)
5. Neighborhood cliques (small group).

2.Secondary Group's:
A secondary social group is a larger, more impersonal group
of individuals who share a common interest, activity, or goal,
but may not necessarily have a strong emotional connection
or intimate relationships. These groups are typically larger in
size and have a more formal structure, with limited
interaction and impersonal relationships among members.
While they may not provide the same level of emotional
support and validation as primary groups, secondary groups
still offer a sense of belonging and connection. Examples of
secondary groups include colleagues at work, classmates in
a large lecture hall, members of a gym or fitness studio, and
participants in a hobby or interest-based group. These
groups play an important role in our lives, offering
opportunities for socialization, learning, and personal
growth, even if the relationships within them are more
superficial. Overall, secondary social groups provide a sense

3
of community and shared purpose, even if they lack the
depth and intimacy of primary groups.

3.Reference Groups:
A reference social group is a group that serves as a standard
for evaluating oneself and one's own beliefs, values, and
behaviors. It is a group with which individuals identify and
compare themselves, often unconsciously, to shape their
attitudes, opinions, and actions. Reference groups can be
formal or informal, and may include family, friends,
colleagues, or social media communities. They can exert a
powerful influence on individual behavior, as people often
strive to conform to the norms and expectations of their
reference group. By comparing themselves to others in their
reference group, individuals can gain a sense of belonging,
validation, and self-esteem, or conversely, feel pressure to
conform or anxiety about not meeting expectations. Overall,
reference groups play a significant role in shaping individual
identity and influencing social behavior.

4.Interest Groups:
An interest social group is a type of group that forms around
a shared hobby, activity, or passion. These groups bring
together individuals who share a common interest, providing
a platform for them to engage in activities, share knowledge,
and interact with like-minded individuals. Interest social
groups can be formal or informal, ranging from organized
clubs and organizations to online forums and social media
communities. They offer a sense of belonging and
connection, as members bond over their shared enthusiasm
and pursuits. Whether it's a book club, sports team, or
photography group, interest social groups provide
opportunities for socialization, learning, and personal
growth, while also fostering a sense of community and
camaraderie among members. By participating in interest
social groups, individuals can expand their skills, explore
new interests, and build lasting relationships with others who
share their passions.

4
5.Community Groups:
A community social group is a type of group that forms
around a shared geographic location or community. These
groups bring together individuals who live in the same
neighborhood, town, or city, and often share a sense of
identity and connection to the local area. Community social
groups can be formal or informal, ranging from
neighborhood associations and community centers to local
volunteer groups and religious organizations. They provide a
platform for members to engage in community activities,
address local issues, and build relationships with their
neighbors. Community social groups can also host events,
provide support and resources, and advocate for the needs
of the community. By participating in community social
groups, individuals can feel a sense of belonging and
connection to their community, build relationships with their
neighbors, and work together to create positive change in
their area.

6.Cultural Groups:
A cultural social group is a collective of individuals who share
a common cultural identity, heritage, and traditions. This
type of group provides a sense of belonging and community
for its members, who often share similar values, beliefs, and
customs. Cultural social groups can be defined by factors
such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or language, and
they play a significant role in shaping individual identities
and experiences. These groups often celebrate cultural
events and holidays, share traditional foods and music, and
pass down customs and stories from one generation to the
next. By providing a supportive and familiar environment,
cultural social groups help individuals connect with their
cultural roots and develop a sense of pride and belonging.
7.Virtual Groups:
A virtual social group is a community of individuals who
interact and connect with each other through digital
platforms, such as social media, online forums, and
specialized websites. These groups transcend geographical

5
boundaries, allowing people to connect with others who
share similar interests, passions, and identities, regardless of
their physical location. Virtual social groups provide a sense
of belonging and connection for their members, who can
share ideas, resources, and support through online
discussions, messaging, and video conferencing. They also
offer flexibility and convenience, as members can participate
at their own pace and on their own schedule. Whether it's a
online book club, a gaming community, or a support group,
virtual social groups have become an essential part of
modern life, enabling people to expand their social circles
and build meaningful relationships beyond their physical
surroundings.

8.Task Groups:
A task social group is a type of group that forms to
accomplish a specific goal or task. These groups are often
temporary and disband once the task is completed. Task
social groups can be formal or informal, and may be formed
in various contexts, such as:

- Work teams
- Project groups
- Study groups
- Volunteer committees
- Event planning committees

These groups bring together individuals with diverse skills

and expertise to work together to achieve a common
objective. Task social groups provide a platform for members
to share knowledge, resources, and responsibilities, and to
support each other in completing the task. By participating
in task social groups, individuals can develop new skills,
build relationships with colleagues, and experience a sense
of accomplishment and productivity. The focus of task social
groups is on achieving a specific goal, rather than on
socializing or building relationships, although these can be
secondary benefits.

6
7