secondary group: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “secondary group” mean?
A large, impersonal social group whose members interact for a specific, practical purpose or goal, with relationships often temporary and formal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, impersonal social group whose members interact for a specific, practical purpose or goal, with relationships often temporary and formal.
In sociology and social psychology, a group characterized by limited emotional depth, task-oriented interaction, and often governed by formal rules. It contrasts with primary groups (like family) which are small, intimate, and enduring. Can also refer to a subsidiary or less important grouping within a larger system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is used identically in academic contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical academic/sociological connotations. In everyday metaphorical use, 'secondary' might carry a slightly stronger nuance of 'less important' in AmE, but this is subtle.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but standard and equally frequent in sociology and related academic fields in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary group” in a Sentence
[Subject] forms/joins a secondary group [for purpose].[Subject] is a member of a secondary group.The dynamics of a secondary group are [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondary group” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The secondary-group ties in the community were weakening.
- She analysed the secondary-group dynamics within the online forum.
American English
- The study focused on secondary-group affiliation among urban populations.
- He experienced a shift from primary to secondary-group relationships after moving.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might refer to a project team or committee formed for a specific, time-limited task, as opposed to the permanent departmental structure.
Academic
Core usage. Standard term in sociology, social psychology, and education for classifying types of social groups.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in discussion about social networks or community involvement.
Technical
Precise sociological term. Also used in some organisational theory and network analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary group”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary group”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary group”
- Using 'secondary group' to mean 'a group that is less important' rather than describing its sociological structure. Confusing it with 'subgroup' (a part of a larger group).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Secondary' refers to the type of relationship (impersonal, formal, goal-oriented), not its value. A surgical team or a board of directors are secondary groups but are critically important.
Typically, no. They are defined by their inherent qualities. A close family (primary) that starts running a business together may develop secondary-group *aspects* (formal roles), but the core primary relationship remains.
A secondary group is a sociological category describing relationship quality. A formal organisation is a specific, structured entity (like a corporation). Most formal organisations function as contexts for secondary group interactions.
No. It is a specialised term from sociology. In everyday talk, people would use terms like 'club', 'team', 'committee', or 'organisation' instead.
A large, impersonal social group whose members interact for a specific, practical purpose or goal, with relationships often temporary and formal.
Secondary group: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənd(ə)ri ɡruːp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ɡrup/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. The term itself is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SECONDARY school' vs. PRIMARY school. Secondary school is larger, more formal, and you're there for a specific purpose (education), just like a secondary group.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL GROUPS ARE CONTAINERS (of varying intimacy). A secondary group is a LARGE, COLD ROOM; a primary group is a SMALL, WARM HOME.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of a secondary group?