Groups - The Heart of Interaction & Categories of Groups



Reference Group

  • what we compare ourselves to

  • “identity association group”

  1. In-group

  • individual feels s/he belongs

  • feel: loyalty and respect

  1. Out-group

  • individual doesn’t identify with

  • feel: antagonism and contempt


Secondary Group

  • can be small or large

  • mostly impersonal and usually short-term

  • typically found at work/school


Primary Group

  • small social group

  • close, personal, and enduring relationships

  • strong personal identity

  • Example: family, close friends

  • individuals are concerned for one another



Tying Up Loose Ends

  • all social groups are social aggregates, but not all social aggregates are social groups

  • network provides bigger connections