Which statement correctly distinguishes primary and secondary groups?

• A. Primary groups are large and impersonal; secondary groups are small and intimate.
• B. Primary groups are small and emotionally close; secondary groups are formal and impersonal.
• C. Primary groups are temporary; secondary groups are long-lasting.
• D. Primary groups are defined by work; secondary groups by family.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how the nature of relationships defines the two types of groups. Primary groups are small, emotionally close, and long-lasting, with face-to-face, intimate interactions that shape our sense of belonging. Secondary groups are larger, formal, and impersonal, formed around a specific goal or task, with relationships that are more instrumental and often shorter in duration.

That makes the statement that primary groups are small and emotionally close while secondary groups are formal and impersonal the best fit. The other descriptions mix up these traits—primary groups aren’t large and impersonal, secondary groups aren’t defined by being small or inherently intimate, and the distinction isn’t about temporary versus permanent in the sense implied by those options.