1. GROUPS
Why are they important?

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.