Group

The concept of a group is defined as a unit of two or more individuals who engage in reciprocal communication and interaction. Social groups are formed when individuals come together, interact, and work towards common objectives or interests.

Definitions of Social Groups by Different Authors:

• Group is a unit of two or more individuals who are in reciprocal communication and interaction with each other with common goals.

• Mac Iver: A social group is any collection of human beings who are brought into social relationships with each other.
• Williams: A social group is an aggregate of people playing inter-related roles and recognized by themselves or others as a unit of interaction.

Meaning of Group:

A social group is characterized as:

• A collection of two or more individuals,
• Who interact with each other,
• Have common objectives,
• Participate in similar activities.

Characteristics of a Social Group:

1. Relationship: Members are interrelated, and reciprocal relations form an essential aspect of the group.
2. Sense of Unity: There is a shared sense of unity and mutual sympathy among members.
3. We-feeling: Members help each other and collectively defend their group interests.
4. Common Interest: The group meets to pursue common interests and ideas.
5. Similar Behavior: Members exhibit similar behavior aimed at achieving common goals.
6. Group Norms: Every group follows specific rules or norms that govern the behavior of its members.

It is important to note that social groups are dynamic and constantly evolving. They change form, expand their activities, and adapt over time. This change can be gradual or swift, depending on various factors.

Classification of Social Groups:

1. According to Dwight Sanderson:

• Involuntary Groups: Membership in these groups is not a matter of choice. One becomes a member by birth or circumstance, such as family, neighborhood, or community.
• Voluntary Groups: Membership is based on deliberate choice or conscious effort, like joining a cooperative society, youth club, or any organization one chooses to be part of.
• Delegate Groups: Individuals join these groups as representatives of others, either through election or nomination. Examples include parliamentary groups, where members represent a larger population.

2. According to Charles Cooley: Cooley categorized social groups based on the nature of the interaction and relationships into:

• Primary Groups: These are characterized by intimate, face-to-face interactions and close personal relationships. Members develop a strong “we-feeling,” and the group plays a crucial role in socializing individuals. Primary groups are small, permanent, and typically include family, close friends, or small communities.
• Secondary Groups: These groups are larger and more formal, with relationships that are often utilitarian, contractual, or goal-oriented. There is less personal interaction, and the relationships are more impersonal and indirect. Examples include political parties, clubs, or cooperative societies, where the connection between members is primarily focused on achieving specific goals rather than personal interaction.

Key Differences between Primary and Secondary Groups:

• Primary Groups:
  • Intimate, personal relationships.
  • Informal and based on emotional connections.
  • Small in size, like family.
  • Focused on long-term, deep interactions.
  • Members feel a strong sense of belonging and loyalty.
• Secondary Groups:
  • Formal, impersonal, and goal-oriented relationships.
  • Larger in size, like organizations or political parties.
  • Interactions are often temporary and based on achieving specific objectives.
  • The connection is more superficial, with less emotional involvement.

Here’s a table comparing Primary Groups and Secondary Groups based on their characteristics:

Classification of Groups by the Mode of Organization and Functioning

• Formal Groups: These groups have defined roles, formal rules of operation, and a structured system of work. The relationships among members are formal (e.g., businesses, government organizations).
• Informal Groups: These groups lack rigid structure or formality. Relationships are more personal, with strong primary group feelings, such as friendships or groups formed around common interests.

Classification by George Hasen:

1. Unsocial Group: This group largely lives for itself and does not participate in society. It stays aloof from other groups (e.g., isolated communities).
2. Pseudo-social Group: Participates in larger social groups but mainly for self-benefit, without a genuine concern for the society (e.g., opportunistic alliances).
3. Anti-social Group: Acts against the interest of society (e.g., groups involved in illegal activities or violence).
4. Pro-social Group: Works for the larger interests of society and is engaged in constructive tasks to increase overall welfare (e.g., NGOs, social service groups).

Ingroup and Outgroup:

• Ingroup: The group with which individuals strongly identify and to which they feel they belong.
• Outgroup: The group with which individuals do not identify and are viewed as outsiders.

Sorokin, Zimmerman, and Galpin’s Classification of Groups Based on Situations in Which People Unite:

1. Community of blood: Based on shared ancestry.
2. Marriage: Groups formed through marital bonds.
3. Similar religious beliefs: Shared rituals and religious practices.
4. Common language: Groups united by a shared native language.
5. Common land use: Communities that share and utilize land together.
6. Shared responsibilities: Communities united by collective responsibilities, like tax payments or order maintenance.
7. Territorial proximity: Groups living in close geographical proximity.
8. Occupational interest: Groups formed around similar professions or trades.
9. Economic interests: Groups sharing the same economic objectives.
10. Subjection to a common authority: Groups subject to the same leader or lord.
11. Social institutions: Common affiliation with institutions like schools, temples, or police.
12. Common defense: Groups united for mutual protection.
13. Shared experiences: General shared living, experiences, and actions.

Motivation in Group Formation:

1. Interest in the group’s objectives: People join groups that align with their personal interests.
2. Friends in the group: Individuals may join because their friends are members.
3. Friendly relations: Groups with a friendly atmosphere attract new members.
4. Common culture: Individuals with shared values and cultural beliefs come together to form groups.

Role of Social Groups in Agricultural Extension:

Social groups play a vital role in societal development. In agriculture, extension workers collaborate with groups to mobilize participation in development activities. By working with these groups, extension workers can expedite the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. Social groups, whether formal or informal, help foster community cooperation, resource-sharing, and the dissemination of new agricultural practices.