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SOCIAL GROUP

 Society is formed by human interaction. Humans interact, communicate and
construct social collectivities. These collectivities are referred to as social groups
and exist in every society.

 We have something in common with others in the same group, we identify with
the group, and the group can create a sense of belonging for us. However, the
types of groups that exist may differ from society to society.
 Thus, social group refers to a collection of continuously interacting persons who
share common interest, culture, values and norms within a given society.

 According to Horton and Hunt “Social groups are aggregates or categories of
people who have a consciousness of membership and of interaction”.

 A group is also different from a category. If you are in the same category as a
person, you may share similar characteristics—like age, height, or you both wear
glasses, but you may not interact or feel the sense of belonging.

 Aggregates can thus be defined as simply collections of people who are in the
same place at the same time, but share no definite connection with one another.
Passengers waiting at a railway station or airport or bus stop or a cinema
audience are examples of aggregates. Such aggregates are often termed as quasi
groups.

QUASI GROUPS
 A quasi group can be defined as an aggregate or combination, which lacks
structure or organisation, and whose members may be unaware, or less aware, of
the existence of groupings. For example, social classes, status groups, age
groups, gender groups can be quasi groups.
 In due course of time and in specific circumstances such aggregates might take
the form of a social group as sociologically defined. For example, people
belonging to the same caste might come together to form a caste based political
party. Such political parties will be referred to as social groups as members will be
conscious of their interaction and belonging.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOCIAL GROUP AND QUASI GROUP