HOW A
SOCIETY IS
ORGANIZED
Society is an entity that allows
individuality yet provides space for
other individuals and groups to
pursue mutual goals and
aspirations.
This lesson focuses on society as a
diverse and coherent set of groups and
explains how it is organized,
highlighting the particular groups
composing it.
As we analyze the different social organization,
you will be able to identify your role in the
various social organization and networks within
society.
Objectives:
1. Understand and discuss the
composition of society based on
various groups that compose it.
2. Identify and define the different
types of groups in society.
LESSON 1:
SOCIAL GROUPS
AGGREGATE GROUPS
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
GROUPS
“Man is a social animal”
- Plato
-this means that human
beings are naturally
equipped with tools such
as language and reason
that enable them to
engage others in
meaningful interaction
It is quite impossible to imagine
human existence without social
groups.
A social group is a collection of
individuals who have been with one
another that make them
interdependent to some significant
degree.
Interdependence is a
necessary condition that exists
within social groups because it
is what enables its members
to pursue shared goals or
promote common values and
principles.
Interdependence is also what
differentiates a social group from
an aggregate, or a mere collection
of people within a particular place
and time.
Aggregates do not necessarily
influence our social actions as
there might be no direct
interaction and interdependence
with the people composing it.
Example:
group of friends hanging out in a mall
While this group of friends is considered as a social
group, the same cannot be said about the rest of the
people in the mall. The group of friends interact with one
another but not necessarily with the rest of the people in
the mall.
Social groups not only vary in size but
also in the level and depth of
interaction and interdependence.
*Closest to immediate family (parents,
siblings, first cousins, etc.) but not to
other distant relatives)
* deep bonds to close friends but casual
with other acquaintances)
PRIMARY GROUPS
WHAT IS A PRIMARY GROUP?
Secondary groups are larger, less intimate
and more specialized groups where members
engage in an interpersonal and objective-
oriented relationship for a limited time.
The level of interaction and interdependence
is not deep and significant.
LESSON 2:
IN- GROUPS/ OUT- GROUPS
REFERENCE GROUPS
NETWORK
Another relevant approach in
understanding the characteristics of
social groups is the self- categorization
or self identification theory.
People’s appreciation of their group
membership is influenced by their
perception towards people who are not
members of their groups.
Presenting
examples/instances
of the new lesson
Relate how they perceived or
appreciate this type of group.
In- group is a group to which one
belongs and with which one feels a
sense of identity.
Out- group is a group to which one
does not belong and to which he or
she may feel a sense of
competitiveness or hostility.
One usually treats members of his
or her in group more favorably
than those of his or her out-group.
Characteristics of In- groups:
- they devise ways to distinguish themselves from
nonmembers (group titles, symbols and rituals)
- display positive attitudes and behavior towards
fellow members and negative towards out-
groups
- foster unity and cooperation among group
members and competition and hostility to
nonmembers.
Reference group is a group to which
an individual compares himself or
herself.
It influence an individual’s behavior
and attitudes.
Examples of reference groups are
primary groups and in- groups.
The reference group is considered a
source of role models since
individual uses it as a standard for
self- assessment.
A favorite sports team or dance group is an
example of reference group.
Interacting to more social groups
may situate individuals to have
complex web of relationships.
Individuals may have overlapping
membership with different social
groups.
Sociologists use the concept of
“network” to understand the
complex world of social groups.
A network refers to structure of
relationships between social actors
or groups.
A network is interconnections, ties,
and linkages between people, their
groups and the large institutions to
which they all belong.
In the age of internet, example are
facebook, twitter or instagram.
A network is a group who come
into occasional contact but who
lack a sense of boundaries and
belongingness.
- composed of people working on
similar tasks without necessarily
knowing each other.
