Types of Groups in Sociology: Primary, Secondary & More
Types of Groups in Sociology
Primary and Secondary Groups
Secondary groups provide a greater level of awareness compared to primary groups. They are typically organized around specific interests that are more or less recognized. These groups can be referred to as “stakeholders.” They are often volunteer groups that do not rely solely on face-to-face interaction, although many members may interact at this level. Easy transportation, the postal system, telephones, newspapers, and other means of communication are crucial for the development of secondary groups. Modern culture is characterized by the rise of various secondary groups, such as political parties and neighborhood associations. Compared to primary groups, secondary groups often operate in an institutionalized manner.
Natural and Artificial Groups
Natural groups, also known as spontaneous groups, form without external influence. There is often a degree of equality in age and interests among members, and the bond connecting them is usually emotional. Natural groups can vary based on their duration and the activities they undertake. Examples include families and friend groups.
In artificial groups, also known as mandatory groups, the artificiality of the restrictions imposed influences their formation. The selection of members is often random, and there are limitations on the types of tasks performed. Members join for various reasons, such as legal obligations or scientific purposes. These groups lack the homogeneity of natural groups and typically employ rules and regulations for control. Examples include school groups and research groups.
In addition to natural and artificial groups, there are also exceptional groups. These groups consist of individuals selected for possessing rare skills or having received specific training to perform unusual tasks.
Formal and Informal Groups
A formal group adheres to a set of rules shared by its members, has common goals, and operates within a formal system of authority. The rules are established before the group’s formation and provide guidance on behavior, roles, and the level of security within the group. Common characteristics of formal groups include a lack of spontaneity in their formation (pre-planned communication, power distribution, and group structures), governance by fixed rules that influence members and activities, and formation as a means to achieve a specific goal. An example of a formal group is any organizational unit, such as the Association of Social Workers.
Informal groups complement formal groups. They arise in response to people’s needs and lack fixed rules, although they may be based on agreements and customs among members. They are unplanned, emerge spontaneously, and result from face-to-face interaction. An example of an informal group is a spontaneous street demonstration protesting a power outage. The most prominent feature of informal groups is the freedom of action enjoyed by members, with group relations developing based on personal connections established within the group.
Open Groups and Closed Groups
Open groups are highly flexible and allow members to enter and exit freely. They have loose structures, and meetings may be infrequent. An example of an open group is Alcoholics Anonymous. The internet hosts numerous open virtual groups accessible through public spaces. Participants in these groups can join or leave as they wish. Thousands of open discussion areas exist online where people with shared interests can connect, exchange views and information, and support each other.
Closed groups restrict access. They resist both entry and exit for various reasons, such as preserving prestige, power, or maintaining existing structures and traditions. Some groups have entry requirements (e.g., university alumni groups), while others penalize leaving (e.g., offender groups). Virtual closed groups may have formal communication channels for members who have agreed to work together and adopted common practices. New members must undergo an adaptation process. It is becoming increasingly common to form open groups online and later establish more formal links between members for purposes such as starting a business, pursuing a specific goal, leveraging shared skills, or achieving political objectives.
Temporary or Permanent Groups
Permanent groups are characterized by stability over time, both in their internal composition and their relationships with other groups. An example of a permanent group is a family. In the workplace, permanent groups aim for continuous improvement and maintenance. Despite their stability, they may experience changes in composition while retaining their fundamental structure and principles.
Temporary groups, also known as ad hoc groups, are formed to achieve a specific, time-limited purpose. They dissolve once the objective is met. These groups are often associated with projects aimed at radical improvements. Their use has increased in recent years within organizations and in team-building methodologies. The type of interaction within a group varies depending on the time factor. In short-term groups, people are more focused on the goal, paying less attention to factors like relationships with other members or forming subgroups. However, in permanent groups, factors related to group cohesion become more relevant.