Primary+Groups+by+Charles+Horton+Cooley

Charles Cooley's article //Primary Groups// covers the concept of a primary group by describing the term as a primary group that we are part of. Cooley then provides a broad definition of primary group as a group " ... characterized by intimate face-to-face association and cooperation"(Cooley 37) to write about the wide variety of primary groups and their numerous applications. He refers to them as primary groups, because these associations occur early on in life. Cooley even provides a child’s play group as one of the most basic forms of a primary group. Later in the article he goes more in depth and provides a historical relevance of primary groups by pointing out that the Feudal System relied on primary groups hundreds of years ago. He then discusses how primary groups influence human nature often more than genetics (nature versus nurture) as they provide the means for growth and maturity. He concludes the article by commenting that individuals create larger primary groups that function collectively, the primary groups function as independent bodies.



The article presents an evaluation of **//Charles//** H. **//Cooley's//** doctrine of **//primary//** **//groups//**. **//Cooley//** devotes an entire chapter to the ideals which **//primary//** **//groups//** foster. It is by membership in these **//groups//** that the gregarious instincts in people develop and they learn how to live as sociable beings. One kind of **//primary//** group will now be selected for fuller analysis and illustration. Though it is most often given as typical of all, it may be conveniently called the congenial group to distinguish it from the others. Such a group consists of persons who habitually maintain direct communication with one another for the sake of the enjoyment they find in it. They must of course be persons who are in sympathy with one another, or at least without strong antipathies. For this reason the number must be small. An additional member means more than a proportional increase in the probability of discord, for he brings not only one new reaction, but at least as many as there are members already in the group. Thus in a group of three there are three pairs of persons and so three times as many chances of antipathy as in a group of two.

Clow, F. (1919, November). COOLEY'S DOCTRINE OF PRIMARY GROUPS. //American Journal of Sociology//, //25//(3), 326-347. Retrieved July 28, 2009, from SocINDEX with Full Text database.