Types of Groups

Activity: Brainstorm

As a class, brainstorm some specific groups in the local community and groups which you belong to. Categorise these groups according to the syllabus dot points.

Kinship ties or social bonds based on ancestry, marriage or adoption are the most common of primary, or major, group types. Friendship groups also spend a lot of time together but are more likely than family groups to disband after a short time

Examples:

• School friends

• Work friends

• Extended family (eg, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles).

Sporting and leisure groups may be long term or transitory. Their primary purpose is to provide a fun and interactive way for members to get fit and healthy or to engage in activities that address personal wellbeing. Members often rely upon each other for motivation to continue the activity, through regular, scheduled meetings

Examples:

• Gym

• Soccer team

• Swimming

• Reading Group

Different individuals coming together to grow their knowledge on various topics as well as working together as a community to achieve a common goal. When individuals feel connected, engaged and included in academic or active work, their degree of personal satisfaction and wellbeing is heightened

Examples:

• Study group

• Library group

• Office workers

• Athletes

• Teachers

• Musicians

Religious groups are formed around the common beliefs, traditions and values held by a specific doctrine or faith. Different religious groups hold differing religious philosophies, but they all share the primary mission to promote spiritual growth and nurture the individual and their community.

Examples:

• Jewish

• Muslim

• Christian

• Buddhist

Cultural (and ethnic) groups are based on the geographic area in which a group originated or developed. They share social and cultural characteristics. Classification is based on self-perceived group identification; that is, the extent to which an individual associates with a specific cultural group’s ideals and philosophies.

Examples include groups formed on the basis of:

• Religion

• Tradition

• Experience

• Ethnicity

• Morals

In order for aspects of our wellbeing to be equitably addressed and satisfied, the need to create specific groups has become imperative. Such is the growth of minority groups. The world is filled with examples of those who suffer because they are part of a minority. Health, financial status, age, education, gender and class may each be the basis for the formation of a group.

Examples:

• Support groups (Carers).

• Community groups

• Online groups

Using the ABS 'Quickstats' function (below), answer the following questions:

1. What groups are present in our community? What type are they?

2. Compare a group in your area with a group from Rural NSW. What are the similarities and differences?