sekundærgruppe

Sekundærgruppe is a term used in sociology to describe a large, impersonal group formed to achieve specific goals or tasks. Members interact on a formal basis, with relationships organized around roles, norms, and procedures rather than personal affection. It stands in contrast to primærgruppe, where members maintain close, long-lasting, emotionally intimate connections such as family and close friends.

Key characteristics of sekundærgrupper include a larger size, a shorter duration of interaction, and a focus on instrumental objectives. Communication tends to be task-oriented and roles are often clearly defined. Relationships are typically transactional and depersonalized, with status and authority derived from position within the group or organization rather than personal closeness.

Common examples include workplaces, schools and classes, professional associations, government departments, and committees or project teams. Such groups coordinate activities, share information, and allocate resources to achieve collective aims. They enable collaboration across diverse individuals who may not otherwise interact regularly.

Dynamics within sekundærgrupper are shaped by utility, cooperation, and formal mechanisms. Interactions are governed by rules, procedures, and organizational structures, and power tends to be distributed according to roles rather than personal ties. Over time, some sekundærgrupper can develop stronger social bonds or evolve into primærgrupper, while others remain highly task-focused and transient.

In sociological theory, the sekundærgruppe concept helps explain how modern societies organize large-scale cooperation and social order, as well as phenomena such as bureaucratization, social networks, and issues of alienation or depersonalization within formal institutions.