3.3 Groups
LO 3.3: Contrast groups and networks.
Another function of religion studied by sociologists is how it forms the basis of categorical and group membership. A group is a social system where individuals regularly interact with each other. Everyone belongs to multiple groups: friendship cliques, families, coworkers, romantic partners, religious groups, fan groups, and more. Social life is made possible through groups.
The smallest group possible is a dyad, consisting of two individuals. A dyad is dependent on both members of the group to persist. A triadis a group of three. If a member of a triad leaves the group, the group survives as a dyad.
Groups may (but do not have to) arise out of membership in the same social category. A social category is a group of people who share a common characteristic, whether they are aware of one another or not. For example, Catholics are a social category because they share a faith. Within religion, groups may form based on shared membership in the same faith (Catholicism) or on a shared level of devotion while belonging to different faiths (the devout).
Primary groups are typically small and involve one-on-one interaction. Therefore, all members of a primary group know one another. Families and friendship cliques are primary groups (Photo 3.9).
Photo 3.9
A Family Is a Primary Group
A secondary group is more formal and usually has more members than a primary group. Not all group members know each other. For example, a religious congregation is a secondary group, as is a typically large college class (Photo 3.10). Secondary groups come together for instrumental ends. For instance, members of a religious community come together for the purpose of religious rituals and practices, such as prayer. In contrast, a primary group meets more expressive needs, such as spending time with and supporting one another.
Photo 3.10
Members of a Religious Congregation Form a Secondary Group
Primary group membership may also lead one to belong to certain secondary groups. For instance, families (primary groups) often pass on their religious group membership (secondary group) to children. Furthermore, secondary groups may break down into primary groups. People form friendships and find romantic partners (primary groups) through secondary group membership.
In-groups are the groups who hold the most power and are often the largest. However, a numerically smaller group may be the in-group if it has more power or ability to influence what others do or think. Out-groups are groups with the least power and may be persecuted by the in-group. Shared religion, race, and political views are some of the factors social groups use to show in-group and out-group membership.