Explain the diverse nature of social groups by giving various classifications of groups with suitable examples.

(i) In-Group and Out-Group : An In-Group can be defined as any group or category to which people feel they belong. It comprises everyone who is regarded as ‘we’ or ‘us’.

An Out-Group is a group or category to which people feel they do not belong. In-Group simply means ‘we group’ and Out-Group means ‘They-Group’. The members of an ingroup identify themselves with one another and have a sense of belongingness to the group.

Example : One’s race, gender, favourite sports team, college. Members of an in-group sometimes feel antagonistic to, especially if the group is perceived as being different culturally or racially

Example : Fans of opposing sports teams, people of different religion, race, caste etc.

(ii) Voluntary and Involuntary group : According to Charles Elwood voluntary group is a group in which membership is based on deliberate choice. The members may join or resign from the said group. 

Example : Political parties, trade unions, youth organisations, cultural associations etc. An Involuntary Group is a group in which membership is based on birth or compulsion, rather than on choice. Example : Groups like family, caste, religious group, race etc.

(iii) Small and Large Group : The term small group is used to refer to a group small enough for all members to interact simultaneously, and is informal in nature. 

Example : Certain primary groups such as families.

Small groups include Dyad, Triad and other small groups. The smallest of all small social groups is the “Dyad” or two-member group. 

Example : A married couple. Triad is a three member small group.

Example : When the married couple has their first child, the Dyad becomes a “Triad”. Large Group is large in size and formal in nature. 

Example : Nation, State, University.

(iv) Primary and Secondary Group : The groups in which individuals work through mutual co-operation and are very closely related are called primary groups. Example : Family, peer group, kin group, neighbourhood.

The secondary group refers to a formal, impersonal group, where mutual relations of persons are not very close. Example : Political party, Nation, Commercial companies, Labour Union etc.