What is an aggregate in a social context?

In a social context, an aggregate refers to a collection of individuals who are in the same place at the same time but do not necessarily interact or have relationships with one another. This can be seen in situations like a crowded bus stop or people waiting in line at a store; they share physical proximity but do not engage in social interactions or form any meaningful connections.

The key characteristic of an aggregate is that the individuals may share a common context or environment, but they do not have ongoing interactions that would establish a social relationship. This differentiates an aggregate from other social groupings, such as a close-knit group where members frequently interact or a reference group used for social comparison, both of which imply a level of social engagement and identity that is absent in an aggregate.