A group of people organized for a particular purpose or a limited number of purposes are known as?

DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Applied Sociology

Easy

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The question defines a group organized for a 'particular purpose or a limited number of purposes'.
This perfectly matches the sociological definition of an 'Association', which is a group of people who come together to achieve specific, shared goals.
Examples include professional bodies like trade unions or the Trained Nurses' Association of India (TNAI), which are formed for the specific purpose of advancing the interests of their members.

Option B: An 'Institution' is not a group of people, but rather an established set of norms, customs, and procedures that govern behavior in a society (e.g., marriage, law, education).
Option C: A 'Community' is defined by a shared geographical territory and a broad range of social interactions to meet daily needs, not just a specific, limited purpose.
Option D: A 'Society' is the broadest term, referring to a large, complex web of social relationships that includes all institutions and associations. It is not limited to a single or few purposes.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Sociological Terms: Association, Institution, Community, and Society as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the term 'association' is relevant for nurses as they are part of a profession governed and supported by numerous associations.
Professional nursing associations, such as the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Trained Nurses' Association of India (TNAI), are formed for specific purposes: setting standards for education and practice, advocating for nurses' rights, and promoting professional development.
Engaging with these associations is a key part of a nurse's professional life, offering opportunities for continuing education, networking, and contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the definition provided in the question stem: 'A group of people organized for a particular purpose or a limited number of purposes'.
Identify the key phrases: 'group of people', 'organized', and 'particular/limited purpose'.
Evaluate each option against these key phrases.
Recall the sociological definitions. 'Society' and 'Community' are broad terms related to co-living and shared life, not a specific purpose.
'Institution' refers to rules and customs, not a group of people.
Recognize that 'Association' is the specific term for a group formed to achieve a defined goal. This directly matches the question's definition.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definitions of Sociological Terms: Association, Institution, Community, and Society
Stem keywords: group of people, organized, particular purpose, limited number of purposes
Lead-in keywords: known as