On the Number and Size of Subgroups

In: Human relations: towards the integration of the social sciences, Volume 29, Issue 12, p. 1103-1114

Abstract

The fact that a group may subdivide into smaller subgroups is examined in the light of probability theory. It is argued that the largest number of ways in which any size group can divide into subgroups of different sizes (including the monad) is the likeliest variant to occur. Such "commonest" variants include both monads (individuals) and polyadic subgroups; and it is inferred that the coexistence of worlds constructed in an individual idiom and those constructed in a collective mode is a natural consequence. Recorded data relating to the biological individual in his family context, to the "casual" individual in informal groups, to solo and group medical practices, and to larger occupational and religious groups are found to be consistent with the probability hypothesis put forward.