Sociology: Types of groups

Group

2 or more people that share the same interest

Reference Group

A group of people that people compare themselves to - it provides a standard of measurement. (peer-groups)

Aggregate

People who do not interact or share a sense of identity. (audience at a movie)

Primary Groups

Usually fairly small and is made up of individuals who generally engage face-to-face in long-term emotional ways. (family)(feelings)

Secondary Groups

Often larger and impersonal. (classroom)

In-group

The group that an individual feels she belongs to, and she believes it to be an integral (essential) part of who she is.

Out-group

A group someone doesn't belong to; often we may feel disdain or competition in relationship to an out-group.