Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a social group?

Social groups are typically defined by certain characteristics that distinguish them from other types of social formations. The essence of a social group includes shared goals, regular interaction, and common membership among its members.

Shared goals refer to the common interests or objectives that unite individuals within the group, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Regular interaction emphasizes the ongoing relationships and communication that occur between members, reinforcing group unity and support. Common membership indicates that individuals identify with one another and acknowledge their association with the group.

On the other hand, formal organization is not a defining characteristic of all social groups. While some groups may indeed be formally organized, with structured rules and hierarchies, many social groups operate informally without such rigidity. This flexibility allows various types of social groups, such as friendships or community collectives, to exist without formal organization yet still fulfill the fundamental characteristics of communal interaction and shared connections.