W.B.C.S Main 2018 Question Answer-Psychology-Groups – Types – Structure – Function of Groups

1) Define a group.What are the major types of group?Discuss the structure and function of a group.

A collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Main Exam-Psychology Optional Paper 2-2018-Question.

The study of social groups is a main focus of many sociologists. In this lesson, we define social groups and differentiate between several different types including primary, secondary, and reference groups.

Social Groups

Social groups are everywhere and are a basic part of human life; everywhere you look there seem to be groups of people! A main focus of sociology is the study of these social groups. A social group consists of two or more people who regularly interact and share a sense of unity and common identity. In other words, it’s a group of people who see each other frequently and consider themselves a part of the group. Except in rare cases, we all typically belong to many different types of social groups. For example, you could be a member of a sports team, club, church group, college class, workplace, and more.

Primary Groups

No two groups are created equal. Each typically has its own purpose, culture, norms, etc. Sociologists differentiate between several different types of social groups. In this lesson, we’ll discuss primary groups, secondary groups, and reference groups. Primary groups are those that are close-knit. They are typically small scale, include intimate relationships, and are usually long lasting. The members of primary groups feel a strong personal identity with the group.

Nuclear family

Although the nuclear family is considered the ideal primary group by some sociologists, it is not the only example. Many people are also a member of a group of close friends. This group is usually small, and the relationships are still close-knit and enduring, so it is also a primary group. The term ‘primary’ is used with these groups because they are the primary source of relationships and socialization. The relationships in our primary groups give us love, security, and companionship. We also learn values and norms from our family and friends that stay with us for most, if not all, of our lives.

Secondary Groups

Secondary groups are another type of social group. They have the opposite characteristics of primary groups. They can be small or large and are mostly impersonal and usually short term. These groups are typically found at work and school. An example of a secondary group is a committee organized to plan a holiday party at work. Members of the committee meet infrequently and for only a short period of time. Although group members may have some similar interests, the purpose of the group is about the task instead of the relationships. Sometimes, secondary groups become pretty informal, and the members get to know each other fairly well. Even so, their friendships exist in a limited context; they won’t necessarily remain close beyond the holiday party.

Characteristics of Group

All these above definitions have emphasized some common characteristics on which a psychological or functional group stands.

(1) A group consists of more than one person.

(2) They meet together to satisfy some common motive or common purpose say to collect money for flood affected persons, or national defence fund. The common motive may be biogenic or sociogenic.

(3) The group may disintegrate when the common motive is satisfied. This refers to a temporary group like a party or groups formed to collect money for relief fund or to celebrate Ganesh Puja.But a group can also have permanent motive or purpose like family, religious groups and clubs which are formed to fulfil some permanent purposes. These are stable groups and continue for a long period. Usually sociogenic needs have got an upper hand in group situation.

Criteria for Making a Group

In order to be considered as a member of a group the persons involved must meet certain criteria.

(1) Just being in the same place at the same time is not enough. They must be involved in some sort of social interaction with one another or atleast possess the potential for such interaction.

(2) The members must be interdependent in some manner. What happens to one must also happen to others in some way or other.

(3) The relationship between the members must be more or less stable. For instance, by making a brief conversation between two passengers travelling in a plane or train does not make them really a group. Thus only collection of individuals without a common purpose does not make a social group. The crux of a group is common purpose.A team going outside the country to play football for India is said to be a group as it has a common purpose i.e., to play the match and win. The fact remains that members of a group are in dynamic relationship with one another. The behaviour and activity of each one affects all the others. Thus, not only one member is influenced by the other members, he also in his own way influences other members of the group.The behaviour of a group depends upon the individually lawful behaviours of the constituent members, but the group behaviour need not be stated in individual terms say Kretch and Crutch Field.Fieldman (1983) questions “how a group influences the individual and what is the relationship between a group and an individual?” According to him “in a number of ways individual relationship to the group will affect the degree to which the group can produce conformity, the more attractive the group and its members, the more people confirm to it.”Fieldman further states that group participation represents an important aspect of most people’s lives. Moreover group membership has an important influence on everyday behaviour, thinking and emotional responses.

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