Chapter Five: Social Groups and Formal Organizations

Primary Groups

A primary group consists of your family or friends, where there is a more intimate sense of belonging. This type of group is essential to your emotional well-being and the development of one's identity. This group also has the most influence on your life but that is not always a good thing. Gangs can also be considered to be a primary group. Primary groups offer a system of support and are often long-lasting.

Bureaucracy

A bureaucracy is a group that has an organized purpose and goal in a society, such as many government institutions. All bureaucracies have five components: clear levels, division of labor, written rules, records and replace ability. A bureaucracies goal is to be as efficient as possible although this is not always achieved. Bureaucracy rules can increasingly dominate a society.

Voluntary Association

A secondary group made up of volunteers who organize with mutual interest to obtain a goal or accomplish a purpose. Some groups are small and local while others can be national with paid staff. Boy Scouts, Lions Club, churches, and business organizations can all be examples of voluntary association.

Triad

A triad is a group of three people. Triads can often be unstable as two of the people will interact more and can cause strain on the group. Two of the people will often develop stronger bonds leaving the third person excluded. Another characteristic of a triad is a mediator is often produced as this person tries to settle the differences between the other two. Triads can include siblings, roommates, coworkers, and even countries.