GROUPS Why are they important?
TYPES OF GROUPS Aggregate- a group of people who happen to be at the same place, at the same time, but have little else in common. (People at a store) Category- a number of people who have never met but share a common characteristic (education level, age, race, victims of crime) At times, social groups can form from these relationships-A group of people who interact frequently and share a common identity or interdependence.
Cooley’s Primary and Secondary Groups PRIMARY-a small, less specialized group in which members engage in face-to face, emotion-based interaction for a length of time. (family, friends, sports team, youth group)
Cooley’s Primary and Secondary Groups SECONDARY-A larger more specialized group where members engage in more impersonal, goal-oriented relationships for a limited amount of time. (sports team, classmate, employees) Secondary groups can become primary groups.
INGROUP vs. OUTGROUP INGROUP-A group in which the person belongs and with which the person feels a sense of identity. OUTGROUP-A group in which a person does not belong and towards which a person may feel a sense of competitiveness or hostility. Our in-groups and out groups often help establish identity and self worth.
Reference Group A group that influences a person’s behavior whether the person is a member or not. This can be an in or out group. (We at times change or attitude or appearance to become part of group-can be positive or negative.