Secondary Group : Definition , Features & Importance.
Secondary Group : Definition , Features & Importance.
1. Concept of Secondary Group.
2. Features of Secondary Group.
3. Importance of Secondary Group.
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Concept / Definition of Secondary Group :-
Secondary groups are one of the elements of modern society. Secondary groups bear the opposite characteristics of the primary group in nature. Such groups are mainly formed to serve specific purposes. Basically it is made to fulfill various and diverse interests in modern life. Sometimes they are called Special Interest Groups. Interrelationships between members of this group are usually devoid of sincerity or intimacy. Members rarely have face-to-face relationships. Indirect relationships are formed between individuals focused solely on the pursuit of special interests, but are not as deep as primary groups. Moreover, only a few of the members of this group have personal acquaintances - not as extensive as the primary group.
In terms of demographic structure, the members of these secondary groups are not bound by the same emotional ties and a sense of alienation from the core is operative among them. The cooperation that occurs between members of this group is indirect in nature. Numerous secondary -groups exist in society like industrial groups, banks, political parties etc.
We can say about the secondary group, formed with special purpose, a group without deep heart relations among the members, that is the secondary group. It is called a product of modern society. In terms of characteristics, secondary groups carry the opposite characteristics of primary groups.
Characteristics / Features of secondary groups:-
1. Artificiality :- Secondary group is an artificial organization. It is not created spontaneously or voluntarily. People create it on purpose.
2. Magnitude :- Secondary groups are generally magnified. Its membership is not limited. A class or caste, Rotary Club, religious organizations etc. are examples of large scale secondary groups.
3. Predominance of secondary relationship :- Secondary relationship refers to the indirect, external, contractual, non-exclusive relationship of the members. There is no personal intimacy or solidarity in such relationships. Such relationships are formed only by keeping the needs in mind. Examples of such secondary relationships are relationships between employee-customer, speaker-audience etc.
McIver and Page stated about the nature of the relationship between members of a secondary group that the division that occurs between members of a secondary group is class division.
4. Special Objectives :- Secondary groups are usually formed around specific objectives. The key here is purpose; Personal relationships are secondary. The role of subordinate group members is limited in terms of the salience or priority of the objective. It goes without saying that such groups are formed without interest or purpose. So it is called Special Interest Group.
5. Membership :- As membership in most primary groups is not voluntary by the individual, this is not the case with secondary groups. Accepting or rejecting membership of a secondary group is largely a matter of individual choice. He can join any sub-group as per his need and desire; If the need is satisfied or if he does not like it, he can leave his membership. However, in some cases this exclusion of membership may not depend on the will of the individual. However, membership of secondary groups is not mandatory, and is largely a matter of individual preference. As an exception, the state.
6. Organizational Structure:- Every secondary -group has a statutory organizational structure by which its activities are regulated. Due to its large membership and size, an organizational aspect is essential and it is desirable to be statutory.
7. Durability :- Secondary groups are relatively temporary in nature. It usually disappears when its objectives are fulfilled. Its sustainability depends on the nature of the objective. If a secondary group's objectives are found to be diverse and time-consuming to fulfill, they may be sustained a little longer.
8. No need for physical proximity :- Physical proximity is not required in case of members of a minor group. It is possible for the group to survive without it. That is, in this case, the role of contact in relation to social relations is very insignificant. For example, the International Red Cross Society is a secondary group. Its members are spread all over the world.
9. Nature of Control :- Secondary group mainly controls the behavior of its members through some statutory mechanism. Interrelationships among subordinate groups are usually governed by well-defined terms and conditions. The activities of these secondary groups are mechanical or artificial in nature. Here he maintains his control through law, police, courts etc. Moral control Non-statutory means are secondary in this regard, as they are not very effective in controlling the behavior of members.
10. Indirect Communication :- Direct communication between secondary group members is almost nonexistent or not much needed. Since the origin of such groups is not based on face-to-face direct identification i.e. primary relationships, the interaction of these members is not sincere or intimate. Members do not gather in secondary groups unless necessary for personal identification or to gain closeness. Media such as mail, telephone, TV, newspaper etc. act as means of communication among them.
11. Not very effective on personality :- Primary group is said to be the main form of personality, secondary group is not. It is said that the secondary group has no special influence on personality.
12. Indirect Cooperation :- The nature of cooperation of members in such groups is indirect. In all these groups, people independently engage in different activities. Activities are performed through interdependence. This indirect cooperation makes the form of division of labor evident.
13. Status of an individual is role or activity dependent :- The status of the members of these groups is not dependent on their birth characteristics or personal qualities. Their social status depends on the nature of the roles they play. That is, the individual's status in this group is role or activity dependent.
Importance of Secondary Groups :-
1. Secondary groups are large in size and often have members spread across the globe. A person can widen his circle of contacts by becoming a member of the secondary group. Besides, a person removes ugliness by broadening his outlook, attitude etc. His range of knowledge increases. His thinking, enthusiasm etc. can gain new dimensions. The individual transcends his small field and appears in a larger human field. Narrow attitudes are refined in this vast field. Generosity grows in his heart. In this case, his mentality is particularly influenced by contact with different people. His places of inertia are freed. Therefore, it can be said that the secondary group frees the individual from his narrowness.
2. Certain decades or centuries ago the sphere of livelihood and income of the individual was limited. During this time the main livelihood was agriculture. But with the massive expansion of industry, commerce, cities, etc., the subordinate groups have expanded the sphere of various opportunities before the people. Through these, people get the opportunity to use their thinking and working talents properly in various places. He can work according to his choice and ability.
3. Subordinate groups regulate the behavior of their members mainly through statutory means. Statutory agencies take a relatively strict stance in this regard and in many cases non-compliance is punishable. So the person obeys or is bound to obey them. Thus, subordinate groups play a particularly effective role in social control and individual discipline.
4. Different secondary groups are formed with different objectives . Individuals are members of different secondary groups simultaneously. He can accumulate different knowledge and experience in different secondary groups. Thus the culture aspect of the individual is specially developed.
5. In modern society, subordinate groups adopt various measures to achieve their goals. In many cases they utilize the knowledge of modern science and technology. Specialized material systems like division of labor also play a special role in this. However, secondary groups play a special role in enhancing the individual's performance, mastery and mental excellence.
6. In the turbulent lifestyle of modern society, individuals often suffer from physical and mental insecurities. In this case, as the individual can satisfy his various needs due to being a member of different groups at the same time, he enjoys more security by being associated with different secondary groups.
7. Secondary groups have an organizational aspect. This organizational aspect keeps track of whether the group's procedures, rules and regulations are being followed properly or not. The effectiveness of this organizational aspect cannot lead to chaos in the group. Subgroups thus maintain cohesion among its members.
8. As the secondary group fulfills various objectives of the individual on the one hand, it also sets various responsibilities and duties before the individual as a member of the group. The individual fulfills all these duties and responsibilities properly. Thus by entering the minor group one becomes responsible and dutiful.
9. Although secondary groups do not have as many functional roles as primary groups in socialization and personality formation, they do have many. There are certain experiences that the individual gains from the minority group, which become very defining of his personality. Again in the case of socialization it can be seen that an individual who is not very socialized by primary groups in early childhood becomes highly socialized later by the influence of secondary groups.
Finally, in today's modern era, the role of secondary groups is very important in the implementation of civilization and culture of human society. Such a group is very well suited to a society with high demands in terms of the social needs of the individual. Hence its acceptance is increasing.
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