Chapter 15: Interaction Of Groups Flashcards
What is the individual level explanation of intergroup relations
This level tries to explain the nature of intergroup relations in terms of individual dynamics and personality factors
What is the interpersonal explainations
Deals with interpersonal interactions
In terms of the economic model people interact with others on a reward Vs costs basis. People are only inclined to interact if the interaction offers a psychological reward greater than the psychological costs
What is meant by positional level explanation
The theories in this category deal with group type interaction. The realistic conflict theory proposed by sherif suggest that group conflicts results from incompatible group goals or from competition between groups our scarce resources.
Explain the idea of the idealogical level explanation
It refers to general belief systems in society which determines the way groups behave in society.
Groups may experience conflict when they adhere to belief systems that are incompatible.
What is the purpose and function of social norms
It affirms and legitimises the commonality of various groups
Contexts of groups aren’t always visible to members because groups that members belong to constitute the contexts for them
The context which group exists contains a umber of attributes that are common to groups
Members need to be aware of wider contexts shared by various groups which leaders help by enticing group members to look beyond limits of their group and share in the common goal that may exist in the context the group shared with other groups
Explain equality of status
Groups aren’t similar and difference are a major reason for group differenciation.
Groups can differ in various respects and may be organised hierarchically in terms of certain attributes as no group is superior in all respects.
So respresentatives should not receive lower or greater status than each other but have equal status
Describe interpersonal contact
This contact reduces perceptions of in group heterogeneity and breakdown perceptions of out group homogeneity.
Out group members are perceived as being homogeneous while in group members are perceived as heterogeneous
The understanding that out group members aren’t the same comes through contact with them
Thus making it difficult to stereotype members and to maintain borders between groups if we can’t frame people according to stereotypes.
The heterogeneity among members of different groups makes it clear that members can’t be restricted to one group and that members is one which is based on a certain aspect of their lives and not entire lives.
What is maintaining co operative activities
This is done by setting common goals and allowing the group’s develop common interest and values and to look for solutions to problems together
When groups work together to realise common goals they become aware of the broader context in which they exist.
What does it mean to develop a multicultural ethos
Multicultural is used in context of society for the fact that modern society consists of various cultural groups
A multicultural ethos refers to the fact that group members should be aware that apart from being members of a certain group they also have membership of broader contexts in which their group exists
This dual membership is a basic factor forming multicultural identify and membership of the broader context which means that our identity includes cultural diversity of Various groups but also have an identity attached to our primary group.
What does it mean to develop a critical consciousness of oppressive patterns
Replacing an oppressive system with another or switching the rules of oppressed and oppressor within a certain system.
Oppression starts when we don’t treat and respect other human beings in his or her own right meaning the moment we don’t allow others to develop their self esteem and to realise themselves as human beings.
Humans have a natural tendency to belong to groups because groups are stringer and richer than individual elements.
Groups that work together are stringer and richer than individual ones.
