The modern field of Social Psychology is widely considered to have been founded upon the work of Kurt Lewin, a Jewish psychologist who immigrated to America in 1933. Lewin’s had a background in Behaviorism and Gestalt psychology. He was among the first to study groups in a scientific manner, focusing on how they were formed and sustained, and what interactions occur between them and others.
A group is an association of people with similar interests or goals. An informal group may be formed around a hobby, sport, religion, occupation, club, or any other activity. Formal groups include clubs, associations, unions, professional organizations, and government agencies. Groups can also be classified according to size, type, and status. Kurt Lewin‘s particular interest was the underlining processes of interaction that shape groups and keep them together, how members become dependent upon each other, and how members’ thoughts and actions are influenced by the group itself. He coined the term ‘group dynamics’ to describe the way in which groups form a common perception and react to changing situations.
