Social Studies
Examples Of Primary Social Groups
The examples of primary social group are:
1. The Family
2. The Kindred
3. Peer Group
4. Age Grade
1. The Family: This is the foremost and smallest unit of primary social groups. It is also the most important, because it lays foundation for the child’s socialization and character.
The family impacts values, norms, beliefs and traditions which equip the child for participation as a member of the larger community. It is the family that inculcates the values of respects for elders, obedience and moral principles, hard work and sense of responsibility.
Once the family fails in this role, the child is most likely to be a problem to the family and the larger society.
The family types we have in Nigeria are, the nuclear family, extended family, polygamous family and compound family.
a. The Nuclear Family: This is the smallest family unit which comprises, a man, his wife and children.
b. Extended Family: This consists of a man, his wife/wives, children and other relations and dependants – uncles, nephews, niece, cousins, brothers, sisters, aunt, inlaws.
c. Polygamous Family: This is a family in which a man has two or more wives and their children.
d. Compound Family: This is a family type comprising related families who occupy a defined land space, usually a large compound. Such families have blood relationship.
2. The Kindred: The kindred or kinship is a multi family social unit. It comprises various families which have common ancestral descent.
Kindred members share values and customs. They constitute a compelling social unit, respected and recognized in the scheme of things in the larger community. The kindred provides a base for members participation and protection within the larger community. Kinship relationship can be traced through the father i.e. Patrilineal.
It can be traced to the mother’s relations, brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins, nephews, niece etc. i.e. Matrilineal.
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3. Age Group: Peer group is an important social unit which influences the child. Members of a peer group are play mates and common associates of the child.
They can be found within the child’s neighbourhood or at the school. Wherever peer groups exist, they are significant to the child’s values and conducts, which may be positive or negative. That is why parents and guardians must show concern about the company their children and wards keep.
4. Age Grade: The age grade refers to persons who are born within the same age bracket in a community. The community sets and recognizes the age grades of her members.
They introduce members to adult, responsible and leadership roles of the community. They also establish scholarship schemes to encourage education in the communities. Age grades are socializing units for members.