Q. Define secondary group? Discuss on the characteristics and importance of secondary group?

Or/
Define secondary group? How it differs from primary group?

Ans: The people within their contact second to the primary group form secondary group no
matter whatever the type of relationship is there. Sometimes they are also special interest group.
The intimacy within the group is relatively lower than that in primary. The relations of teacher and
student, buyer and seller, voter and candidate, are secondary. The frequency, duration, intensity and
focus in interaction may be there but their degree being lower than the one in primary group. The
group is second in importance of life to the participants. He is first affected by the primary members
and later by those in the secondary. Members of the same profession, mohallah fellows, residents of
the same village, class fellows, playmates, relatives, members of the same political party, people
offering prayers in the masjid in congregation are secondary group members. Most of the thinkers
have given their views on secondary group. Two basic definitions are stated below accordingly:
Ogburn & Nimkoff: "groups which provide experience lacking in intimacy can be called
secondary group."
Frank D. Watson: "the secondary group is larger and more formal, is specialized and
direct in its contact and relies more for unity and continuance upon the stability of its social-
organization than does the primary group."
By definition secondary group have been carrying some of its characteristics. These are as
follows:
1. Large in size: Its members are relatively larger in size than the primary one. They can be thousands
and hundreds of thousands of members.
2. Less physical proximity: their physical proximity is rarely found and most of the members reside
quite way from each other.
3. Impersonal or secondary relation: Its basic elements are indirect, impersonal contractual as well
as non-inclusive relations. Usually, they come close to each other for achieving common interests.
4. Membership: Membership in this case is mainly voluntary. Individuals are free to join or avoid it.
There is no emotional bondage on the members.
5. Specific ends or interests: Members of the secondary groups are interested just because they
have specific ends to aim at. That's why, it is also called special interest group.
6. Indirect communication: contacts and communication in the case of secondary group are mostly
indirect. Telephone, internet, post and telegraph are the mains sources of it.
7. Social control: Here means of social control are usually formal. Laws and other regulations are
enforced on the members by the authorities. The degree of relationship among members is not very
strong here. This group is second in importance.

Importance of Secondary Groups

It is an important fact that group have substantial impact on members whether the
members of primary or secondary. Secondary groups are more organized and tend to accomplish its
members' aims and objectives, thus have more influence on its members. In the early ages primary
groups were so important due to small and agriculture based society. But in the age of
industrialization and Information technology members of society prefer secondary groups. The
individual man of the society cannot escape for its dominancy and must rely on, to fulfil his needs of
the day.
i. These are efficient in fulfilling their own and their member’s aims and goals.
ii. These provide better opportunities to boost in in the field of education, business,
communication etc.
iii. Wider outlook means these are large size and its members are spread all over because it
accommodates variety of individuals.
 iv. The members are practically involve in completing a specific goal and are functional in
character.
Both primary and secondary groups can be distinguished from each other by the following points:
(1) Difference in Meaning :

Primary group is the nucleus of all social organizations. It is characterized by intimate face-to-face
association and co-operation.
They are primary in several senses but they are fundamental in forming the social nature and ideals
of individuals. Family, playgroup and neighborhood are the example of primary group. But secondary
groups are large scale groups in which the relationships are relatively casual, impersonal and
competitive. They are consciously formed to fulfill some common goals or objectives. Ex-City,
Political Party.
(2) Difference in Size :

A primary group is very small in size and is confined to a small area. Because it consists of very small
number of individuals. But the size of a secondary group is very large and it is spread all over the
world. Because it consists of thousands of members who is widespread and scattered all over the
world.
(3) Difference in Stability :

Primary groups are relatively stable or durable. For example family is a stable organization. But a
secondary group may be temporary or permanent. These are temporary groups like flood relief
association. As secondary groups are special interest groups after the fulfillment of the interest it
automatically vanishes.
(4) Difference in Co-operation :
The nature of co-operation in a primary and secondary group also differs from each other. The
members of a primary group directly co-operate with each other. They play, sit and discuss together.
Because of face to face contact and personal relationships direct co-operation among members is
possible. But the members of a secondary group indirectly co-operate with each other. Because,
there exists indirect relations among the members of the secondary group.
(5) Difference in Structure:

According to the type of structure both primary and secondary group can be distinguished from each
other. Primary group is based on an informal structure and is very simple. All the members
participate in the same process and it is regulated by informal rules and regulations. On the other
hand secondary group is based on formal structure and is regulated by a set of formal rules and
regulations.
(6) Difference in Relationships :

A great deal of differences is found in the relationships among the members of a primary and
secondary group. There exist direct, intimate and personal relationships among the members of a
primary group. The relations are all inclusive because primary group is relationship directed. But
there exists indirect and impersonal relations among the members of a secondary group. Here
relations are secondary and formal.
(7) Difference in the method of social control:

Both primary and secondary group can be distinguished from each other on the basis of the means
by which they exercises control over their members. Primary group exercises controls over its
members through informal means such as customs, folkways, mores etc. Secondary group have
limited control over its members. But secondary group control the behavior of its members through
formal means such as police, jail, court, law etc.
(8) Difference in Goal:
Members of a primary group have similar or common aims and objectives. Goal of a particular
member is considered as the goal of all other members. But in a secondary group member have
different goals. Each individual has his own goals or aims for the fulfilment of which he joins in the
group.
(9) Difference in effect on Personality:

Both primary and secondary group can be distinguished from each other on the degree by which
they affect or determine the personality of an individual. Primary group has a greater influence on
the development of personality. It influences the total personality of an individual. But secondary
group has a little influence on the development of personality of an individual. It is mainly concerned
with a particular aspect of the personality of an individual.
(10) Differences in Physical Closeness:

Both primary and secondary group may be distinguished from each other on the grounds of physical
nearness. Members of a primary group live in physical proximity to each other. There exits face –to
face relations among the member. But members of a secondary group the member of secondary
group.

(11) The relationship among the members of a primary group is spontaneous in nature whereas the
relationship among the members of a secondary group is governed by external forces.
(12) Primary relationship is all inclusive. Here each member know each other personally and they are
concerned with the total aspect of human being. But secondary relationship is not all inclusive. Here
members do not know each other personally and they are not concerned with the total aspect of life
of members.