Primary Groups and Secondary Groups

	Primary group	Secondary group
Quality of relationships	Personal orientation	Goal orientation
Duration of relationships	Usually long-term	Variable; often short-term
Breadth of relationships	Broad; usually involving many activities	Narrow; usually involving few activities
Subjective perception of relationships	As an end in itself	As a means to an end
Typical examples	Families; close friendships	Co-workers; political organizations

Task 8. Characterize in brief:

1. Primary groups.

2. Secondary groups.

Task 9. Read the text and translate it in writing:

Networks

The term social network designates social ties that link people without the intensity of social interaction and common identity of a social group. A social network resembles a social group in that it joins people in social relationships. It differs from a social group because it is not the basis for consistent social interaction and generates little sense of common identity or belonging. Social networks also have no clear boundaries, but expand outward from the individual like a vast web.

Social ties within some networks may be relatively primary, as among people who attend college together and have since maintained their friendships by mail and telephone. More commonly, network ties are extremely secondary relationships that involve little personal knowledge. A social network may also contain people we know of or who know of us – but with whom we interact infrequently, if at all. Even though social ties within networks may not be strong, these relationships represent a valuable source that can be used to personal advantage.

Task 10. Find in the text “Primary and Secondary Groups” English equivalents for:

личный интерес; прочные связи; благополучие; формирование установок; скорее чем; быть ограниченным; граница; достигнуть определенной цели; целевая ориентация: напротив; взаимовыгодное сотрудничество

Task 11. Give Russian equivalents for the following English words and word-combinations:

to draw distinction; to designate; to display genuine concern; major importance; sense of comfort and security; personal benefits; mutual; transitory; duration; overall welfare; crucial importance; likewise; to reciprocate

Task 12. Make up word-combinations and translate them into Russian:

To display - genuine concern

sympathy

self-consciousness

To share - troubles

concern

work

duties

responsibilities

To shape - personal attitudes

social identity

personality

world outlook

knowledge

To be aware of - reality

social respect

relationships

cultural norms

mutually beneficial cooperation

Task 13. Translate the following sentences into Russian:

1. Such considerations are not of crucial importance.

2. Personal concern in social interaction is of certain value in drawing a distinction between primary and secondary groups.

3. The family is of major significance in shaping personal attitudes and behavior.

4. The problem of interpersonal relationships is of great interest for the social thinkers.

5. Secondary relationships are of definite importance in the study of social groups of people.

6. Human activity in social community is of deep concern for the sociologists.

Task 14. Answer the following questions:

1. What is of great concern for the sociologists in the study of primary groups?

2. What is of chief significance for you in your subject of investigation?

3. What is of major interest for the sociologists dealing with the public opinion poll?

Task 15. Memorize the following words and word-combinations:

attitude on the basis

benefit (n.,v.) personal orientation

boundary primary

concern (n) reflect

crucial secondary

genuine sensitive

goal orientation shaping

limit (n.,v.) short-term

long-term transitory

mutual welfare

SUPPLEMENT