Is there an ideal size for a social group? The answer, of course, depends on the group's purpose.
Group Dynamics
Sociologists describe the operation of social groups as group
dynamics. As members of social groups, people-are likefy to
interactaccording to a number of distinctive patterns. Group
Leadership
Social groups vary in the extent to which they designate one or more
members as leaders, with responsibility to direct the activities of
all members. Some friendship groups grant no one the clear status of
leader, while others do. Within families, parents generally share
leadership responsibilities, although husband1 and wife
sometimes disagree about who is really in charge. In many secondary
groups, such as a
