Characteristics of Social Group

• A social group consists of two or more individuals who perceive themselves as belonging to the group.
• Members share common interests, motives, and goals that bind them together.
• They are mutually interdependent and follow a shared set of norms and values.
• A mere collection of people does not form a social group — reciprocal (mutual) awareness among members is essential.

It refers to the tendency on the part of the members to identify themselves with the group, it means a feeling that they belong to the group.

1. Mutual Awareness - Members recognise each other as part of the group, giving it a unique identity distinct from other groups.
2. Common Interests  - Members share common interests, motives, and goals, working either towards achieving them or away from threats the group faces.
3. Interdependence — Members are mutually dependent on each other — one person's actions have consequences for all others (e.g., a fielder dropping a catch affects the whole cricket team).
4. Sense of Unity — A feeling of togetherness and sympathy exists among members, creating a strong sense of belongingness.
5. Cohesiveness — Members share emotional bonding, positive relationships, and genuine concern for each other's well-being.
6. Sense of We-Feeling — Members identify with the group, treating fellow members as friends and outsiders as separate, which fosters loyalty and co-operation.
7. Well-Defined Norms and Values — Every group has clear rules — written or unwritten — that guide expected behaviour and maintain social control.
8. Similarity of Behaviour — Members behave in a collective and uniform manner to fulfil their common interests.
9. Need Satisfaction — Members satisfy personal needs (security, status, self-esteem) through the group and mutually influence each other's behaviour.
10. Interaction — Members interact with one another regularly, either directly (face-to-face) or indirectly (through messages or others).

• Mutual Awareness – Members are aware of each other and recognise themselves as part of the group.
• Common Goals – Group members share common interests, motives, or objectives.
• Interdependence – Members depend on one another; actions of one affect others.
• Sense of Unity – There is a feeling of belongingness and togetherness among members.
• We-Feeling – Members identify themselves as “we” and show loyalty to the group.
• Well-Defined Norms – Groups have clear rules, values, and expectations that guide behaviour.
• Interaction and Similar Behaviour – Members interact regularly and show similar patterns of behaviour to achieve group goals.