"Blog 6: Social Groups - Roles and Status"

What factors influence the formation of social groups? Why are there so many of them? What effect do they have on us? Are they usually helpful, or can they also be a hindrance? We'll strive to understand and identify social groups, as well as their position and impact on our lives, in this blog. I'll use examples from my personal life to make this blog more clear and approachable.

The world, or society as we call it, is made up of many different groups. It all started with a diverse collection of folks who had little in common and didn't know much about each other. Humans, on the other hand, seek attention, recognition, and the urge to be understood. That's when communication became important. People learned how to build bonds with one another and engage with them. They recognised the importance of relationships and worked hard to establish a variety of them. As a result of this mash-up of communication, contact, connection, and linkage, society and social groups as we know them today emerged.

The term "group" is a bit of a misnomer. Varied people have different interpretations of the phrase, and its definition is still debatable. We may readily express some common features that practically everyone would agree on: a group of people, shared common interests, influence on people, similar behaviour, awareness, unity, and so on.

I believe that groups are crucial because they assist in self-discovery and exploration, provide ongoing support, and aid in survival. Groups have a significant impact on one's personality. Interaction with others on a regular basis allows one to assimilate what they find good and become much more self-aware. Frequently, organisations allow people to reflect and establish relationships that have a positive impact on their lives. It also teaches how to behave in a social setting and prevent unpleasant situations.

Of course, everyone has their own identity, and hierarchies do exist inside groups to some level. A status is the term used to describe this position or identity. We can hold many statuses in a same group or even in various groups, but each one comes with its own set of obligations.

I believe it is critical to be in a group that does not negatively influence one's character or lower one's morale. Staying alone is far preferable to hopping on the bandwagon and flowing with the flow if the group is toxic. It's critical to be a part of a group that values you as a person and regards you as an equal while simultaneously providing you with helpful advice and criticism.

In terms of many social groups, I am a member of the following:

• Involuntary Groups: This includes my family and my religious community. In the first case, I am a daughter and a sister, and in the second, I am a devotee or member.

• Horizontal Groups: My nationality is Indian. This sense of national identification connects me to other Indians, forming a horizontal group. In this group, I have the status of a citizen.

• Sympathetic Contact Group: This includes my family, close friends, and relatives.

• Categorical Contact Group: With our instructors, administration, and mentors, my classmates and I are members of such a group.

• Formal Groups: When I participate in debates, group discussions, or Model United Nations (MUNs). The group is quite formal, courteous, and devoid of many emotional ties.

To summarise, we are and will be members of a variety of groups throughout our lives. Each of them has moulded and will continue to mould us into the people we are today. We should try to be a part of organisations that help us grow as people and have a positive impact on our lives.