A social animal is a loosely defined term for an organism that is highly interactive with other members of its species to the point of having a recognizable and distinct society.
All animals are social to some extent—sexual reproduction requires animals to come in contact together in order to mate, and in animals showing any degree of parental care there is a minimal social unit of one or more parents and their offspring. The term "social animal" is usually only applied when there is a level of social organization that goes beyond this, with permanent groups of adults living together, and relationships between individuals that endure from one encounter to another.
What is the typical size of the group? What factors limit group size? What factors lead to groups merging or splitting?
Does the species show territoriality? If so, to what extent? If territories are maintained, what is their purpose? Are they held by an individual or a group?
Are there permanent social dominance relationships within the group? Is there any pattern within them?
A rigid social stratification traditionally characterized all major ethnic groups in Senegal except the Diola.
Despite the eroding effects of urbanization on this organization, it is well to look at the traditional patterns of society in order to better understand the society of today.
The compound ("carre" or concession) is the smallest unit in the village.
Social movements rely predominantly on a combination of purposive and solidary incentives, though material ones are not necessarily excluded.
Organizations attempting a great deal of heterogeneity are pushed in the direction of vague beliefs and remote goals in order not to alienate the potential membership.
Just as organization is the means by which individual talents and energies are focused toward a common goal, trust is the crucial ingredient which allows some individuals to commit those resources without having to justify in advance even the most minor decisions.
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