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In the social sciences, social groups can be categorized based on the various group dynamics that define social organization.[1] In sociological terms, groups can fundamentally be distinguished from one another by the extent to which their nature influence individuals and how.[2][3] A primary group, for instance, is a small social group whose members share close, personal, enduring relationships with one another (e.g. family, childhood friend). By contrast, a secondary group is one in which interactions are more impersonal than in a primary group and are typically based on shared interests, activities, and/or achieving a purpose outside the relationship itself (e.g. coworkers, schoolmates).[1]
Four basic types of groups have traditionally been recognized: primary groups, secondary groups, collective groups, and categories.[4][5]