Definitions: A social group is defined as:

 “When two or more individuals come together and influence one another, they may be called a social group.” – William Ogburn

 “A social group is a group of two or more persons who are in a state of interaction with one another.” – Mayer Nimkoff

Meaning: A social group refers to a collectivity of two or more individuals who are engaged in a state of interaction with one another. Social interaction involves the reciprocal influence that individuals exert on each other through processes of inter-stimulation and response. This continuous process of interaction or mutual influence is a fundamental and essential characteristic of a social group.

For example, a group of boys discussing a recently watched movie constitutes a social group, as their verbal interaction leads to mutual influence among them.

Examples of social groups include a family living in a household, employees working in the same organization, classmates in a school, members participating in a meeting, and similar collectives.

   TYPES OF SOCIAL GROUPS

Social groups are classified into the following types:

 1. On the Basis of Contact (C. H. Cooley)

1. Primary Group
2. Secondary Group

 2. On the Basis of Identification (W. G. Sumner)

1. In-group
2. Out-group

 3. On the Basis of Rules and Regulations

1. Formal Group
2. Informal Group

 4. On the Basis of Structure (Dwight Sanderson)

1. Voluntary Group
2. Involuntary Group
3. Delegate Group

 5. On the Basis of Relation to Society (George Hassen)

1. Un-social Group
2. Pseudo-social Group
3. Anti-social Group
4. Pro-social Group

   ON THE BASIS OF CONTACT

On the basis of contact among members, social groups are broadly classified into two types:

1. Primary Groups
2. Secondary Groups

The concept of the Primary Group was introduced by C. H. Cooley. Primary groups are characterized by the following features:

1. They involve face-to-face interaction among members.
2. Interaction among members is frequent and continuous.
3. Relationships are highly personal, intimate, and emotionally intense.
4. Members share a strong sense of “we-feeling” and group belongingness.
5. Members often possess similar attributes such as language, interests, culture, and religion.
6. There is a high degree of physical proximity among members.
7. These groups are generally small in size.

Examples:

Family, neighborhood, local brotherhood, close friends, and peer groups.

Primary groups play a vital role in society. For instance, the family provides food, shelter, and emotional care to a child. It is within this primary group that individuals learn culture, develop personality, and are socialized into becoming responsible members of society.

The concept of the Secondary Group was introduced by MacIver. Secondary groups are characterized by the following features:

1. They are formed through relationships that are secondary in nature compared to primary groups.
2. Face-to-face interaction is relatively limited.
3. Interaction among members is less frequent.
4. Relationships are largely impersonal, formal, and less emotionally intense.
5. Members are primarily guided by specific goals or interests.
6. There is limited physical proximity among members.
7. These groups are generally large in size.

Examples:

Shopkeeper–customer relationships, doctor–patient relationships, advocate–client relationships, teacher–student relationships, and candidate–voter relationships. These interactions represent secondary group relations in society.

   ON THE BASIS OF IDENTIFICATION

W. G. Sumner classified social groups on the basis of identification into two categories:

1. In-group
2. Out-group

An in-group refers to a social group to which an individual directly belongs and with which they identify themselves. These groups may include family, tribe, gender, occupation, religion, or interest-based groups.

For example, if an individual is a member of a cricket team, that cricket team becomes their in-group. Similarly, a religious community is an in-group for its followers, and a local community is an in-group for its residents. The concept of in-group is often expressed through collective identity statements such as: “We are students,” “We are doctors,” “We are Muslims,” or “We are Americans.”

Examples of In-groups:

• A family for its members
• A school class for students of that class
• A cricket team for its players
• A professional group (e.g., doctors for doctors)
• A religious community for its followers

Members of an in-group develop a strong sense of belonging, unity, and “we-feeling” which strengthens social cohesion and shared identity.

An out-group refers to a social group to which an individual does not belong and therefore identifies as “others.” These groups may also include categories such as different families, tribes, ethnicities, religions, occupations, or interest groups.

For example, if an individual is a student of Psychology, then Psychology students represent the in-group, while students of other academic disciplines constitute out-groups. Similarly, identity comparisons such as “We are Muslims and they are Christians” or “We are doctors and they are engineers” illustrate the distinction between in-groups and out-groups.

Examples of Out-groups:

• Students of other academic disciplines
• Rival sports teams
• Different religious communities
• Other occupational groups (e.g., engineers for doctors)
• Foreign national groups in identity comparison contexts

Out-groups are typically associated with a sense of “they-feeling,” where individuals perceive difference, distinction, or separation from those outside their own group. This perception often influences social attitudes, comparisons, and intergroup relations.

   ON THE BASIS OF RULES AND REGULATIONS

On the basis of rules and regulations, social groups are categorizedinto two types:

1. Formal Group
2. Informal Group

A formal group is a social group that is governed by clearly defined rules, regulations, and procedures for membership, participation, and exit. Individuals are required to fulfill specific criteria in order to join and remain part of the group. Violation of established rules may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership.

Formal groups are typically organized, structured, and goal-oriented. They function through an official framework that ensures discipline, accountability, and coordination among members.

For instance, in a university, students must meet admission criteria, follow academic regulations, attend classes, and pass examinations. Failure to comply with institutional rules may lead to penalties or expulsion, demonstrating the formal nature of the group.

Examples

• Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities
• Banks and financial institutions
• Hospitals and healthcare organizations
• Government departments and administrative offices
• Registered companies and business firms
• Professional associations (e.g., bar associations, medical councils)

An informal group is a social group that operates without defined rules and l regulations for membership, participation, or exit. Individuals can freely join, interact, and leave the group according to their personal choice, without any formal approval or procedure.

Informal groups are typically spontaneous, flexible, and based on personal relationships, shared interests, or social interaction rather than official structures.

For example, when students sit together in a playground and start discussing movies or daily life topics, other students can freely join or leave the conversation at any time. There are no formal rules, membership criteria, or restrictions, which clearly reflects the informal nature of the group.

Examples

• A group of students chatting and gossiping in a playground
• Friends gathering in a park or cafeteria
• People casually assembled to watch a street performer or joker in a public place
• Informal friendship circles
• Social hangout groups or casual community gatherings

   ON THE BASIS OF STRUCTURE

Sanderson classified social groups on the basis of structure into three categories:

1. Involuntary Groups
2. Voluntary Groups
3. Delegate Groups

An involuntary group refers to a social group that an individual cannot join or leave based on their personal choice. Membership in such groups is determined by birth, natural circumstances, or biological and social conditions beyond individual control. These groups are permanent t in nature, and individuals remain part of them regardless of personal preference or decision.

For instance, a family is an involuntary group because an individual is born into a specific family and cannot choose their parents or lineage. Similarly, gender is an involuntary category, as individuals are born male, female, or intersex without choice.

Age group also changes naturally over time, and individuals move through different age categories automatically without any personal control.

Examples

• Family
• Age group
• Sex (gender) group
• Caste or hereditary groups (in some societies)

A voluntary group is a social group that an individual can join or leave based on their personal choice. Membership is self-selected, although certain eligibility criteria or requirements may need to be fulfilled. However, the decision to meet those criteria remains under individual control.

Voluntary groups are generally formed around shared interests, goals, or activities.

For example, an individual may choose to enroll in a college after meeting admission requirements, making it a voluntary group. Similarly, joining a sports club or participating in a community organization is based on personal interest and choice. A person can also leave these groups when they no longer wish to participate, reflecting their voluntary nature.

Examples

• Educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities)
• Sports clubs or teams
• Social organizations and associations
• Religious or cultural groups
• Professional organizations

A delegate group is a type of social group that acts as a representative body for a larger population. The members of such groups are either elected through a democratic process or selected/nominated based on specific qualifications or criteria.

These groups function on behalf of others and are responsible for expressing collective interests, making decisions, or representing public opinion.

For instance, a parliament is a delegate group because its members are elected by citizens to represent their interests, make laws, and govern on their behalf. Similarly, when a group of diplomats is sent to another country to negotiate or discuss national matters, they function as a delegate group representing their entire nation.

Examples

• Parliament or legislative assemblies
• Student representative councils
• Trade union leadership bodies
• Diplomatic delegations representing a country

   ON THE BASIS OF RELATIONS TO SOCIETY

George Hassen classified social groups on the basis of their relationship with society into four categories:

1. Un-social Group
2. Anti-social Group
3. Pro-social Group
4. Pseudo-social Group

An un-social group refers to a group or individuals who remain detached from society and show minimal or no participation in social activities. Such groups tend to isolate themselves and avoid meaningful social interaction or contribution to community life.

For instance, a person suffering from severe social withdrawal may avoid family gatherings, community events, and workplace interaction, preferring isolation. This lack of participation in social life reflects the characteristics of an un-social group.

Examples

• Introverted individuals who avoid social interaction
• Persons with severe adjustment difficulties or psychological disorders
• Drug addicts who isolate themselves from society
• Individuals involved in chronic withdrawal from social life

An anti-social group refers to a group that acts against the interests, peace, and stability of society. Such groups often engage in destructive, unlawful, or violent activities and may cause harm to public property, social order, and human life.

For example, a terrorist organization that spreads fear through violent attacks and targets innocent civilians is considered an anti-social group. Similarly, criminal gangs engaged in robbery or organized violence directly threaten the safety and stability of society.

Examples

• Terrorist organizations
• Criminal gangs involved in theft, robbery, or violence
• Groups involved in vandalism or destruction of public property
• Violent mobs during riots or unrest

A pro-social group refers to a group that actively works for the welfare, development, and improvement of society. These groups contribute positively by addressing social problems and promoting human well-being.

For instance, an NGO that provides free education to underprivileged children and healthcare services in rural areas is a pro-social group. Similarly, organizations involved in disaster relief and rehabilitation work for the overall benefit of society.

Examples

• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working for social welfare
• Government welfare departments
• Charitable organizations providing healthcare and education
• Groups working for poverty reduction and rehabilitation of drug addicts

A pseudo-social group refers to a group that appears to function within society but primarily acts in its own self-interest. Such groups may engage with society, but their main objective is personal gain rather than social welfare.

For example, a company that exploits workers and natural resources solely to maximize profit without considering environmental damage or employee welfare can be considered a pseudo-social group. Such groups contribute to society only superficially while prioritizing their own interests.

Examples

• Profit-driven organizations that ignore social responsibility
• Groups exploiting natural or human resources for self-benefit
• Certain political or business groups prioritizing personal gain over public welfare