"Group is a collection of human beings who are brought into social relationship with one another". Who gave this definition?

Appeared in: NHM MP Staff Nurse-2022

Explanation

The definition provided in the question, "Group is a collection of human beings who are brought into social relationship with one another," is a foundational concept in sociology.
This specific definition is famously attributed to R.M. Maciver (often cited with his collaborator, C.H. Page).
The key differentiator in Maciver's definition is the emphasis on 'social relationships' as the essential criterion for a collection of people to be considered a group, distinguishing it from a mere aggregate of individuals.

Option A: Max Weber, while a foundational figure in sociology, did not provide this specific definition. His work on groups focused more on social action, authority, and bureaucracy.
Option C: While Kingsley Davis was a significant sociologist, this particular definition emphasizing 'social relationships' is the hallmark of Maciver's work.
Option D: W.F. Ogburn's definition of a group is different. He stated that a group is formed whenever individuals 'come together and influence one another.'.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Sociological Definitions of a Social Group as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding group dynamics is vital for nurses in community health settings, where they work with families, patient support groups (e.g., for diabetes, new mothers), and entire communities.
In a hospital, effective teamwork within the healthcare group (doctors, nurses, therapists) is a form of social group interaction that directly impacts patient safety and outcomes.
What if? If a nurse is leading a patient education session, understanding whether the attendees are a mere collection of individuals or a group with existing social relationships (like a family) changes the approach. A family group has pre-existing dynamics, support systems, and potential conflicts that the nurse must navigate for effective teaching.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on sociological theory.
First, identify the key phrase in the definition provided in the question stem. Here, the most important part is 'brought into social relationship with one another'.
Next, review the sociologists listed in the options and try to recall the core of their theories on social groups.
Match the key phrase 'social relationship' to the correct sociologist. Maciver's definition is famously centered on this very concept, making him the correct choice.
Differentiate this from other definitions, such as Ogburn's focus on 'mutual influence'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 58-60, 59-61

Practise the full NHM MP Staff Nurse-2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.