Groups - The Heart of Interaction & Categories of Groups

Reference Group

A group that individuals compare themselves to for self-evaluation and identity formation.

Identity Association Group

A group that influences an individual's self-concept and identity.

In-group

A social group to which an individual feels they belong, characterized by loyalty and respect.

Out-group

A social group with which an individual does not identify, often leading to feelings of antagonism and contempt.

Secondary Group

A social group that can be small or large, mostly impersonal, and usually short-term, often found in work or school settings.

Primary Group

A small social group characterized by close, personal, and enduring relationships, where individuals are concerned for one another.

Example of Primary Group

Family and close friends who share strong personal identities and emotional bonds.

Social Aggregates

Collections of individuals who may be in the same place but do not necessarily interact or form a social group.

Network

A broader connection that encompasses various social groups and aggregates, facilitating relationships and interactions.