CLASSIFICATION OF SOCIAL GROUPS
Primary x secondary groups
A primary group is small, rarely consisting of more than 30 members. Interactions between primary group members are usually intense and highly personal. Primary groups also tend to persist over extended periods of time. A typical example of the primary social group is the family.
A secondary group lacks one or more of the elements that define a primary group. Most often, the lacking element is a strong emotional tie between members. Other characteristics of secondary groups could be infrequent interactions or a transient duration for the group. As an example of a secondary social groups we can give the classroom.
Formal x informal groups
Formal groups arose from the outside, informal groups have arisen on the basis of the decisions of its members.
Reference groups x Member groups
The reference group has a great impact on the individual. One
wants to be a member, it's important to him. The individual agrees with group
values. One example of a reference group is a racial group.
The member groups are all the other groups we belong to.
Situational x permanent groups
The situation group is a group of children in the summer camp.
Open x Closed Groups
Open groups accept new members and there is no problem getting them out. They do not have strict entry rules. For example, the family is a closed group. It is lawful for someone to be or not to be a family member (marriage, birth, adoption, divorce, death). An open group is, for example, a hobby group. We are also talking about semi-closed groups, such as sects. It is a problem to leave a religious sect.
With voluntary x automatic membership
A typical group with automatic membership is a family. We are born and we are automatically a member. As children we could not choose a family.
The virtual world has altered the components of traditional social groups. Whereas before, groups were characterized primarily by face-to-face interactions, since the late-20th century, many individuals have formed strong identity bonds with others via online groups. Especially among younger people, the virtual world and the "real" world flow seamlessly into one another, with individuals who meet on the Internet becoming face-to-face friends. On the other hand, many friends who initially meet face to face conduct most of their interactions via online communications or text messages on their mobile phones.
The family as a social group
- The family is an essential social group for the development of the individual.
- The family can be seen as a social institution and as a relationship network.
- The family performs specific functions, may have different structures, and is evolving under the influence of social change.
http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/papers/family.pdf