A secondary group is a large group of people who come together to achieve a common goal or interest/06%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.01%3A_Types_of_Social_Groups/6.1C%3A_Secondary_Groups). Unlike primary groups, which are characterized by close, personal, and enduring relationships, secondary groups are impersonal and goal-oriented/06%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.01%3A_Types_of_Social_Groups/6.1C%3A_Secondary_Groups). Members of secondary groups have roles that are more interchangeable, and the relationships between members are often temporary/06%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.01%3A_Types_of_Social_Groups/6.1C%3A_Secondary_Groups). Secondary groups are based on interests and activities, and they are where many people can meet close friends or people they would just call acquaintances/06%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.01%3A_Types_of_Social_Groups/6.1C%3A_Secondary_Groups). Examples of secondary groups include university classes, athletic teams, and groups of co-workers/06%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.01%3A_Types_of_Social_Groups/6.1C%3A_Secondary_Groups).
It is important to note that secondary groups are not as influential on ones identity as primary groups/06%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.01%3A_Types_of_Social_Groups/6.1C%3A_Secondary_Groups). While primary groups are marked by concern for one another, shared activities and culture, and long periods of time spent together, secondary groups are composed of impersonal and goal-oriented relationships/06%3A_Social_Groups_and_Organization/6.01%3A_Types_of_Social_Groups/6.1C%3A_Secondary_Groups).
In summary, a secondary group is a large, impersonal, and goal-oriented group of people who come together to achieve a common goal or interest.