Question

Sociology and Anthropology chapter 5

1.What are the four different kinds of groups & differentiate each

2.No man normally lives alone according to Aristotle. What are the consequences of living alone?

3.What is considered the most important kind of group in the modern society? Why?

Answer 1

Question1:
What are the four different kinds of groups & differentiate:

(A)Primary groups: The primary group is usually fairly small and is made up of individuals who generally engage face-to-face in long-term emotional ways. This group serves emotional needs: expressive functions rather than pragmatic ones. The primary group is usually made up of significant others, those individuals who have the most impact on our socialization. The best example of a primary group is the family.

(B)Secondary groups:Secondary groups are often larger and impersonal. They may also be task-focused and time-limited. These groups serve an instrumental function rather than an expressive one, meaning that their role is more goal- or task-oriented than emotional. A classroom or office can be an example of a secondary group.

(C)In-Groups and Out-Groups: An in-group is the group that an individual feels he belongs to, and he believes it to be an integral part of who he is. An out-group, conversely, is a group someone doesn’t belong to; often we may feel disdain or competition in relationship to an out-group. Sports teams, unions, and sororities are examples of in-groups and out-groups; people may belong to, or be an outsider to, any of these.

(D)Reference groups: A reference group is a group that people compare themselves to—it provides a standard of measurement. In U.S. society, peer groups are common reference groups. Kids and adults pay attention to what their peers wear, what music they like, what they do with their free time—and they compare themselves to what they see.

Question2:

What are the consequences of living alone?

Risk of mental disorders are higher for people who live alone. Adults living alone are more likely to have common mental disorders, including anxiety and depression.