Final answer:
A group of people with the same social characteristics, such as wealth, education, or interests, can be described as a social group. These groups form a key part of individuals' identities and are a central focus of sociological study.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a group of people shares the same social characteristics, it could be said that they all belong to a social group. These characteristics may include wealth, income, education, and occupation, which contribute to their common social status. In sociology, such groups could range from families and households, which are socially recognized and may share blood, marriage, or adoption bonds, to groups joined by shared interests or identities like political parties, sports teams, or even organizations such as Mensa for those with high IQs.
Within social studies, social groups are important because they are any collection of at least two people who interact with some frequency and share some sense of aligned identity. It is through these group affiliations that individuals often express specific parts of their identity and meet socioeconomic needs. These interactions are a fundamental aspect of human society and are an area of great interest to sociologists.