Society, Community and Social Groups: Concepts, Types and Differences Questions

Question 1

Define society.

Accepted Answer

Society is a broad network of social relationships among people who share common culture and social institutions.

Question 2

Define community.

Accepted Answer

Community is a group of people living in a definite locality with a sense of belonging (we-feeling) and common life.

Question 3

What is a social group?

Accepted Answer

A social group is a collection of people who interact with each other, have unity (we-feeling) and share common interests or goals.

Question 4

State one feature of community.

Accepted Answer

A definite locality (place) is a key feature of community (any one feature).

Question 5

Give one example of a primary group.

Accepted Answer

Family is an example of a primary group.

Question 6

Explain any three features of society.

Accepted Answer

Society has several features:

1) Social relationships: Society is a network of relationships and interaction among people.
2) Common culture: Members share values, norms and customs.
3) Social institutions: Institutions like family, education and religion organize social life.

(Any three features can be written with brief explanation.)

Question 7

Differentiate between society and community (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Society and community differ as follows:

1) Society is a broad network of social relations, whereas community is people living in a definite locality.
2) Society is wider and may cover a nation, whereas community is limited to a particular area like village or neighborhood.
3) Society includes many communities and groups, whereas community is a smaller unit inside society with strong we-feeling.

(Any three differences can be written.)

Question 8

Differentiate between primary group and secondary group (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Primary and secondary groups differ as follows:

1) Primary group is small and based on close personal relations, whereas secondary group is large and based on formal relations.
2) Primary group relations are emotional and long-term, whereas secondary group relations are goal-oriented and often temporary.
3) Primary group has strong we-feeling and informal control, whereas secondary group is based on roles, rules and regulations.

(Any three differences can be written.)

Question 9

Explain in-group and out-group with examples.

Accepted Answer

In-group is the group with which a person identifies and feels a sense of belonging, called the “we” group. Out-group is the group that is seen as “they” group.

Example: For a student, “our class” or “our college team” is an in-group, while the rival class or rival team can be an out-group.

These concepts help explain unity, group loyalty and sometimes prejudice between groups.

Question 10

Explain the concept of social group and its characteristics.

Accepted Answer

A social group is a collection of individuals who interact with each other, share a sense of unity and have common interests or goals. A group is more than a crowd because members are connected by relationships and group consciousness.

The main characteristics of a social group are as follows:

Firstly, there is interaction among members. Members communicate and influence each other through cooperation, competition or conflict.

Secondly, a group has a common goal or common interest. Members come together for some purpose such as family life, education, work, friendship or social service.

Thirdly, there is a sense of unity or we-feeling. Members feel that they belong to the group and identify themselves as part of it.

Fourthly, groups have an organized structure of status and roles. For example, in a classroom there are teachers and students with different roles.

Fifthly, social groups have norms and values which guide member behavior and maintain discipline. Approval and disapproval (sanctions) help control behavior.

Thus, social groups are basic units of society and they shape personality, behavior and social life.

Question 11

Explain society and its main features.

Accepted Answer

Society is a large and organized network of social relationships among people who share common culture and institutions. Society is not simply a crowd of people; it is the system of relationships which provides order and continuity to social life.

The main features of society are as follows:

Firstly, society consists of a large number of people living together. But mere collection is not enough; people must be connected through relationships.

Secondly, society is based on social relationships and interaction. People interact in family, education, workplace, market and political life. These relations create a social structure.

Thirdly, society has common culture. Members share values, norms, customs, language and traditions which guide behavior. Culture provides identity and unity.

Fourthly, society has social institutions like family, marriage, education, religion, economy and polity. These institutions organize behavior and fulfill important needs.

Fifthly, society involves interdependence. People depend on each other for food, services, education, protection and emotional support.

Lastly, society shows continuity over time. Through socialization, children learn culture and society continues across generations.

Therefore, society is a complex system of relationships, culture and institutions that shapes human life.

Question 12

Explain community and its main characteristics with examples.

Accepted Answer

Community is a group of people living in a definite locality with a common life and a strong sense of belonging. The two most important elements of community are locality and we-feeling.

The main characteristics of community are as follows:

Firstly, there is definite locality. Community members live in a particular area such as a village, neighborhood, colony or town. Because of locality, people share common facilities and problems.

Secondly, there is strong we-feeling. Community members feel unity, belonging and identity, and they often help each other in times of need.

Thirdly, community has common interests and shared life. People share similar needs such as water, cleanliness, safety, festivals and welfare activities.

Fourthly, relationships are often close and personal, especially in small communities like villages where face-to-face interaction is common.

Fifthly, community has its own customs and traditions which guide behavior and maintain unity.

Examples of community include a village community, a housing society community, and a college campus community.

Thus, community is an important unit of social life because it provides belonging, cooperation and shared living.

Question 13

What is meant by we-feeling?

Accepted Answer

We-feeling is the sense of belonging and unity among members of a group or community.

Question 14

Write any three characteristics of a community.

Accepted Answer

Community has certain basic characteristics:

1) Definite locality: members live in a specific area such as a village or neighborhood.
2) We-feeling: members feel a sense of belonging and unity.
3) Common interests and common life: members share needs, problems, customs and activities.

(Any three characteristics can be written.)

Question 15

Write a short note on reference group with example.

Accepted Answer

A reference group is a group that an individual uses as a standard for comparison and for forming attitudes and behavior.

A person may not be a direct member of the reference group, but still follows its values, lifestyle or norms.

Example: A student may take a successful senior group as a reference group and copy their study habits, dressing style or career goals. Similarly, a worker may compare lifestyle with a higher-income group and set aspirations.

Thus, reference groups influence choices, goals and behavior.

Society, Community and Social Groups: Concepts, Types and Differences

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