Classification of Social Groups
Different types of social groups.
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Classification of social groups is based on several criteria. Professor Bottomor said in his book ‘Sociology’, the criteria necessary for the classification of social groups are several; For example, group goals, emotional and intellectual character of group members' interactions, personal nature of relationships, group size and stability.
Morris Ginsberg has referred to factors such as group size, stability, regional distribution, formation process, organizational nature etc. in the classification of social groups.
The classifications of social groups are as follows:-
1. In-group and Out-group:-
Professor W.G. Sumner made this classification in his book ‘Folkways’. This is divided in terms of the attitude of its members towards the group.
Its members have close ties with their own group. Members of one's group are connected in a deep bond of sincerity. A deep "we sense" is present in them. Own club, own neighborhood - these are examples of in-groups.
On the other hand, the individual's attitude towards the group to which he is not a member is one of indifference, sometimes even hostility - to that individual, the group is the outgroup. Eg - other's club.
2. (a) Voluntary groups and non-voluntary groups, (b) Formal and non-formal groups, (c) Short-lived groups and permanent groups.
Charles A. Ellwood mentions these three types of classification in his book ‘Psychology of Human Society.’
(a) In the case of voluntary groups, its membership depends on the individual's willingness or unwillingness. Like clubs, political parties - etc. On the other hand, non - voluntary groups are groups whose membership is not dependent on the will of the individual. Generally, a person's membership is determined by birth. For example - family.
(b) Institutional groups are groups which have certain rules, customs or institutions. For example - schools, caste system - etc.
On the other hand such institutional features are absent in informal groups. Eg - angry mobs, school common room , gangs.
(c) The third classification is based on stability. Generally, permanent groups last longer but temporary groups do not.
3. Primary and Secondary Group:-
This division is based on the nature and quality of the interrelationship of group members. American sociologist Professor Cooley made the classification in his book ‘Social Organization.’
In primary groups there are direct, face-to-face and intimate relationships between group members. The most prominent example of a primary group is the family. Again, on the other hand, the mutual relations of the members of secondary groups are indirect and secondary in nature. For example - state.
4. Formal and Informal Group:-
It is basically synonymous with Ellwood's institutional and non-institutional groups. The behavior and activities of the members of the statutory group are governed by certain rules and regulations. For example - army, classroom students - etc.
On the other hand, in the case of informal groups, the rules of the group are not as strict on the behavior of the members. Members of non-statutory groups enjoy considerable freedom in the field. For example, tourist groups, picnic groups - etc.
5. Sociologists Lowry and Rankin mention five basic groups in human society. These are –
(a) Population. Eg – population, crowd, gathering, audience, etc.
(b) Community. For example - village, town, suburb, metropolis - etc.
(c) Association. Eg - clubs, pressure groups, service organizations - etc.
(d) Institution. For example - school, church, state - etc.
(e) Status group. For example - caste, class - etc.
6. Community and Association
The German professor Ferdinand Tonies made this classification based on the nature of the interrelationship of the members. In his book ‘Community and Association’ he referred to Community as Gemeinschaft and Association as Gesellschaft. According to him, people belonging to the community live together in sincere and personal bonds. On the other hand, association is basically a social organization consciously and deliberately formed with the aim of fulfilling economic interests. Villages are examples of communities and organizations are examples of associations.
7. Reference group:
Muzaffer Sherif first used the term reference group in his book ‘An outline of social psychology’ in 1948 in the discussion of sociology. Later, Merton, Turner and others discussed this group in detail and shed light on it. People always follow and imitate the behavior, lifestyle, ideals, etc. of the upper caste. Such behavior is called Reference Behavior.
In the case of groups, members of a group follow and imitate the norms, rules and behavior of members of a group superior to them and try to be of equal status to that group, that ideal group is called a reference group.
8. Genetic and Congregate Group:-
Professor Giddings in his ‘Principles of Sociology’ makes this division mainly on the basis of the nature of access of members to groups. A hereditary group is an involuntary group. Its membership is determined by birth. For example, caste, family - etc. can be mentioned. On the other hand, an inclusive group is an optional group. Individuals become members according to their own will and needs. For example - clubs, political parties.
9. Horizontal and Vertical Group :-
Sorokin made this classification. In this case, the high-low difference between the group members is considered as the basis of division.
Horizontal groups are larger, where all members are equal. There is no difference of status between them. such as citizens of the state.
But in vertical groups there is a high-low distinction based on status in the interrelationships of members. E.g. casteism, cabinet.
10. Regional groups and non-territorial groups:-
Park and Burgess made this classification. Regional groups have specific territories. Examples of territorial groups are communities, states, etc.
Non - territorial groups, on the other hand, have no specific territory. For example - caste discrimination, caste system.
There are also various other group classifications present. For example:-
11. Crowds and abstract groups.
12. Small and large groups.
13. Social classes and social gatherings.
14. transient groups.
15. Intermediate group.
16. Organized and unorganized groups.
17. Open and closed groups.
18. Self-sufficient and non-self-sufficient - groups. etc.
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