Group (sociology)

In sociology, a group is usually defined as a collection consisting of a
number of people who share certain aspects, interact with one another,
accept rights and obligations as members of the group and share a common
identity. Using this definition, society can appear as a large group.

While an aggregate comprises merely a number of people, a group in sociology
exhibits cohesiveness to a larger degree. Aspects that members in the group
may share include interests, values, ethnic/linguistic background and kinship.

Primary groups consist of small groups with intimate, kin-based
relationships: families, for example. They commonly last for years. Charles
Horton Cooley coined this term..

Secondary groups, in contrast to primary groups, are large groups whose
relationships are formal and institutional. Some of them may last for years
but some may disband after a short lifetime.