Question

Answer the following question in detail(About 150 words)

Identify any two secondary groups of which you are a member. Discuss any four characteristics with reference to the groups that you have named.

Answer 1

Secondary groups have impersonal, formal, indirect, temporary, and goal-oriented relationships with a large number of members. It is not possible to have regular, permanent, close, and intimate relations with everyone. People meet each other only for serving specific purposes. Relations are maintained only when the specific purposes are fulfilled and people are satisfied. People are always very busy and it is necessary to have appointments before the meeting. Secondary groups are heterogeneous and formal in nature. People are given time to meet but for that purpose only. People do not meet for long-term goals. Free expressions of emotions, feelings, and intimacy are not allowed. In the secondary group, members have to follow rules and regulations strictly.
Example :
(i) Student of a college
(ii) Member of NSUI - National Students Union of India (or) ABVP - Akhil Bhartiya Vidhyarthi Parishad

Characteristics of the secondary group with reference to the above-mentioned group.

Large Size: In college or in NSUI number of students and members is large. Here, the membership is unlimited as compared to the primary group.

Indirect relations: Due to the large size, direct relations among all the students and members are not possible. To convey any message we take help of modern means of communication, e.g., mobile phones, e-mail, WhatsApp., etc.

Impersonal relations: As the members are large in size personal interactions are very rarely seen. Here, we do not know each other personally. That is why the relationship is not personal.

Formal relations: Informal relations is not possible because face to face contact can't take place. People are more goal-oriented. Membership is strictly based upon laws and regulations.