Sociology and Group Behaviour Flashcards
What are social belonging and groups?
The feeling of belonging to a group is an essential element of living in a society
social belonging is based on the solidarity of the group
Solidarity refers to the ties that unite members of a group
It is through these ties that people really get a sense of social belonging
Sociologists study these social groups to understand social behavior
What is a Dyad Group?
Consist of two members (this is represented by a married couple, of friends)
What are Informal Groups?
Less personal relationships in which member interaction is not governed by explicit rules (i.e neighbors who exchange small talk)
What is a Primary group?
A small group whose members have a personal and often emotional relationship with one another (family and friends can be examples). Primary group members are heavily involved in each others lives. They also have the power to persuade its members and expects a certain degree of conformity to its rules and beliefs.
What is a Secondary Group?
An impersonal or formal gathering of people in which the individual’s role is measured by his or her contribution to a common goal or purpose. (A schools sports team )
What is a Virtual Community?
A group of individuals who communicate over the internet or through any technological means. Think of communicating with like-minded individuals globally. The virtual community created dependency among its members. (think of all of your social media sites)
What is the power and influence of groups?
Groups in society exert a great deal of influence over the individual behaviour of their members
Most groups rely on roles, norms, and sanctions to shape the behaviour of their members
The group sets out guidelines for the social roles being enacted among its members
In formal groups, such as schools or the workplace, the rules that govern these roles may be very explicitly and written into a code
In order to function in these social groups we all have roles we play
What do groups establish?
Groups establish guidelines for appropriate behaviour among their members
These behaviours end up being norms and society needs these norms to keep order
The main function of norms is to keep order and ensure a certain level of behaviour
The group is also responsible for imposing sanctions to regulate improper behaviour
A sanction is a reward or punishment that encourages certain kinds of behaviour and discourage other
What is collective behavior?
Collective behavior is social behaviour by a large group that does not reflect existing rules, institutions, and structure of society
The group engages in this kind of behaviour to accomplish a specific goal or outcome
Collective behaviour is spontaneous, usually in response to social crisis or natural disaster
The collective behaviour of the group doesn’t conform to established norms, but the behaviour isn’t out of the ordinary either it occurs in situations where the established norms are unclear
What is the Convergence Theory?
A theory that assumes that when a collectivity or large group of like-minded people come together, collective action is the most common outcome
Individuals in a collectivity are behaving according to their own beliefs but do so with the protection of others behaving in the same manner
What is the Rational Decision Theory?
Theory that assumes that people make rational decisions whether or not to participate in collective behaviour
The motivating factor for the individual is almost always based on self-interest
Individual tend to favour larger group sizes over smaller ones and more organized groups as opposed to unorganized ones
there is also a sense of not being held responsible because everything is taking part of the activity
think of the benefits outweighing the costs of joining a group
these are considered to be people’s thresholds
the smaller the threshold the better
What is Prosocial Behaviour?
Not all collective behaviour is negative
It can also explain kindness, generosity, and altruism
Prosocial behaviour is a form of altruism in which individuals or groups in society demonstrate empathy towards and care for the welfare of others without regard for their own personal gain
Those with prosocial behaviour may also be at risk of consequences and dangers to themselves but still continue to practise the behaviour nonetheless
prosocial behaviour reminds us that not all social interactions are based on selfish personal goals
What are examples of prosocial behaviour?
Banding together when a natural disaster has come (fundraising etc), Tragedies, etc
What is Altruism?
The principle of unselfish regard for the needs and interest of others
What is collective solidarity?
Collective solidarity could be seen through a community’s ability to overcome the negative consequences of crime
