Importance of Groups

Is human life possible without groups? Can we satisfy our needs, expectations, emotions, challenges, and crises without being members of groups? No, we cannot as groups are the basic components of society. The moment we are born into this world we immediately become a part of a group - our family. It is important to be group member as one’s family fulfills certain essential needs and helps us to survive in the social world.

Each group has a commonsense view of the world and as the baby grows he or she learns what is expected of him or her to become a productive member of the group. Soon the young child comes to acquire a sense of "self" and comes to develop a personality. Groups like family help to transmit culture of one’s society by the process of socialization. Groups also teach us thoughts and behaviors. Also if one is a member of a sports team, cricket or football, then we know that each member must obey rules and regulations.

In early years of life the family supports us, and then as we move on to school and college we get the support of various social, academic, and professional groups. We can be member of various groups such as political, religious, ethnic, sports, music, and cultural that allow us to pursue our needs and goals.

Such groups help to make life more meaningful and comfortable. We cannot live and grow as an isolated individual moments reflection will tell you that group life allows us to fulfill social and emotional needs. These include recognition, affiliation, security, prestige, identity, sense of belongingness, and status. Groups also allow to meet task related need such as goal achievement.