Name _________________________________ Date __________________ Mark ___________/ ____
Sociology 12 – Unit 4 – Social Organization
4.1 describe the role of groups in the organization of human societies
Instructions: List and define different types of groups. Use chapters 5 and 6 in the text (Sociology in
Our Times). You should find about 14 types.
Type of Group
1. Social group
Definition
Consists of two or more people who interact frequently and share a common
identity and a feeling of interdependence
2. Primary group
Is a small, less specialized group in which members engage in face-to-face,
emotion-based interactions over an extended period of time
3. Secondary group
Is a larger, more specialized group in which members engage in more impersonal,
goal-oriented relationships for a limited period of time
4. Social network
Is a series of social relationships that link an individual to others
5. Formal
Is a highly structured group formed for the purpose of completing certain tasks or
organization
6. Ingroup
achieving specific goals
Is a group to which a person belongs and with which the person feels a sense of
identity
7. Outgroup
Is a group to which a person does not belong and toward which the person may feel
a sense of competitiveness or hostility
8. Reference group
Is a group that strongly influences a person's behaviour and social attitudes,
regardless of whether that individual is an actual member
9. Small group
A collectively small enough for all members to be acquainted with one another and
to interact simultaneously
10. Dyad
A group composed of two members
11. Triad
A group composed of three members
12. Normative
A formal organization we voluntarily join when we want to pursue some common
organization
13. Coercive
organization
interest or gain personal satisfaction or prestige from being a member
A formal organization people do not voluntarily become a member of but are forced
to join
Name _________________________________ Date __________________ Mark ___________/ ____
Sociology 12 – Unit 4 – Social Organization
14. Utilitarian
organization
15. Bureaucracy
A formal organization we voluntarily join when they can provide us with a material
reward we seek
Is a organizational model characterized by a hierarchy or authority, a clear division
of labour, explicit rules and procedures, and impersonality in personnel matters