ABSTRACT
The contrast between formal and informal is one that most of us understand intuitively but have trouble defining precisely. Since formal organizations enjoy explicit legal recognition, they generally are seen as exercising authority and not just power. In other words, formal associations are considered formal in part because of the kind of power that underlies them — authority that derives ultimately from state institutions. Conceptual confusion is compounded by a related failure to distinguish between several meanings of the word ‘public’. The concept of ‘public,’ then, subsumes two major facets: the nature of the collectivity involved, and the nature of the space or style in which that collectivity operates. Perceived differences between formal and informal associations also depend on conceptions of group structure. Most informal associations involve fewer hierarchical levels. Representation of informal relations as the networks has many advantages.
