unit 9 - lecture notes Flashcards
What are five characteristics of a group?
- Interaction among members
- Share goals that motivate to action
- Adhere to norms that guide behaviour
- Emergence of roles
- Emergence of attraction
What are two characteristics of a network?
- Consists of distant acquaintances
- Exclusion of clear boundaries
What is an example of an organization?
- universities
- sports league
What are four features of a network?
- Close v. Loose Knit network
- Patterns of attraction
- Strong v. Weak ties
- Bonding v. Bridging
How would one best describe patterns of attraction in regards to networks?
Within patterns of attraction, one can understand how a person that likes the least amount of people and is liked the least would be an isolate within the group.
What are some features of strong ties? Weak ties?
Strong - the relationship may include some intensity; the person is known very well to you.
Weak - can act as a bridge between close-knit networks; acts as a flow of information.
What is the difference between bridging and bonding in relation to networks?
Bridging- connects between groups.
Bonding- occurs with an individual networks.
What are some examples of behaviors seen within bridging in regards to networks? Bonding?
Bridging - behaviors are based on mutually agreed interests and empathies for others, people are viewed as individuals, generalized trust is strengthened.
Bonding - A behavior that’s seen is people identifying with their “in group” based on various statuses, people are viewed as “in group,” there is a weakened generalized trust.
What are three different types of groups as well as their opposition? What is a 4th type of group?
- Informal v. Formal
- Primary v. Secondary
- In-groups v. Out-groups
- Reference Groups
What is the difference between an informal and a formal group?
Informal - no clearly defined roles, statuses, or goals.
Formal - Explicit roles, goals, and rules.
What kind of groups are the most important regarding sociology?
Primary and secondary groups are the most important.
How can a primary group best be described? What are aspects seen in a primary group?
The primary group is a small group in which relationships are both personal and enduring.
Aspects are:
1. Lots of face to face interaction over an extended period Of time
2. There is an emotional attachment to each other and social identity is derived from each other.
3. There is a sense of we, loyalty, and identity.
4. People respond to each other as whole persons.
5. These act as agents of social control; promote conformity.
6. These groups exist for their own sake not for a specific purpose.
How can a secondary group best be described? What are aspects of this kind of group?
A secondary group is a large, impersonal social group based on a specific interest or activity.
Aspects are:
1. These are rational contractual groups.
2. These groups come together to pursue a particular task; to get something done.
3. There is often more role specialization.
4. Focused on the means to one specific end; instrumental.
In relation to types of groups, what are two aspects that can be seen within “in groups”?
- They exert immense influence and control.
- Ethnocentrism may arise.
What is a potential risk of “out groups” in relation to types of groups?
Xenophobia may arise.
When understanding different types of groups, what is the purpose of reference groups? What are two aspects? What is an example of a reference group?
Reference groups are used as standards to evaluate ourselves.
Aspects:
1. Individuals may not yet belong, but aspire to.
2. Acts as a form of conformity and control.
ex. occupations
In relation to aspects of group structures, what are some questions sociologies may ask in terms of the size of the group?
- “How big is the group or how small?”
- “What are the effects of size on group functioning?”
What are 4 types of groups? How can they be defined?
- Dyad - 2 members, 1 relationship.
- Triad - 3 members, 3 relationships.
- Quadrant - 4 members, 6 relationships.
- Small Groups - less than 20 members, many relationships.
What are two aspects seen in a dyad?
- They can be unstable because it requires a high commitment
- Requires emotional intensity to maintain
What are four aspects seen in a triad?
- More stable; if one member leaves, they can be replaced
- Decision making is easier
- It is subject to alliances or shifting coalitions
- Mediation can be achieved through the 3rd member