Smaller groups within a larger group, often sharing specific characteristics or purposes. In mathematics, groups that are subsets of larger groups with the same operation.
From sub- 'under, below' + group, from French groupe. The mathematical sense developed in 19th-century algebra, while the general sense of 'subdivision' is more recent.
In social psychology, subgroups can actually strengthen overall group identity through a process called 'optimal distinctiveness' - people need to feel both included in the large group and special within their subgroup.
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