A group is a term used to describe a number of people or things that are placed, found, or classified together. As everyday forms of physical relationships between multiple people, group spatial dynamics are best witnessed in common public settings such as queuing lines, elevators, waiting areas, public transportation, and other spaces that require the sharing of space between strangers. The distances and proximity between people in group settings directly impacts one’s individually perceived level of physical and psychological privacy, safety, security, and happiness.
There are many different terms for describing groups, depending on the context. For example, a group of doves would be called a flock, a group of lions would be called a pride, and a group of humans who are related to each other would be called a family. Oftentimes, the term group implies that the people or things being grouped together are connected to each other in some way, though this is not always the case.
Throughout time, human groups and crowds have played significant roles in shaping societies and events. From ancient civilizations where crowds gathered in marketplaces and amphitheaters for trade and entertainment, to the Middle Ages with religious congregations and feudal gatherings. The Renaissance and Enlightenment periods saw salons and coffeehouses as hubs of intellectual discourse. Industrialization brought mass labor movements, while the 20th century witnessed powerful political rallies and protests.
Crowds have always been a symbol of collective power and public expression, reflecting the prevailing values, concerns, and aspirations of their times, and acting as catalysts for social and political change.
In modern culture, groups and crowds are often depicted as microcosms of society, showcasing diversity and collective dynamics. Movies and series like "Stranger Things" and "Friends" celebrate the strength and complexity of group friendships.
Crowds, seen in scenes of protests and movements in news and documentaries, highlight collective action and societal change, exemplifying the power of unity. Music festivals and sports events in media capture the joy and energy of large gatherings. These portrayals underline the importance of human connections and community, emphasizing how groups and crowds can foster a sense of belonging, drive social change, and create shared experiences that resonate across different cultures.
People group together as groups generally constrain, guide, and sustain humans. When people join a group, it satisfies the human need to belong, gain information, have a sense of self, and achieve goals. Groups are also important to society as a lot of important work is done by groups rather than individuals.
A focus group is a gathering of diverse people who participate in a facilitated discussion to gain feedback about a topic or area of interest. These discussions are typically held in an area that is non-threatening and are guided. Focus groups are not like interviews, but allow members to interact and influence each other during the discussion.
Interest groups, also known as pressure groups, are a group of individuals or organizations that are typically formally organized to influence public policy in their favor. All interest groups strive to affect government policy to benefit themselves or their cause. Interest groups generally try to achieve their goals by lobbying.
