Social Groups

In the social sciences, a social group can be defined as two or more people who interact with one another, share similar characteristics, and collectively have a sense of unity. Other theorists disagree however, and are wary of definitions which stress the importance of interdependence or objective similarity. Instead, researchers within the social identity tradition generally define it as "a group is defined in terms of those who identify themselves as members of the group". Regardless, social groups come in a myriad of sizes and types. Societies can be viewed as a large social group. Social Groups

A social group exhibits some degree of social cohesion and is more than a simple collection or aggregate of individuals, such as people waiting at a bus stop, or people waiting in a line. Characteristics shared by members of a group may include interests, values, representations, ethnic or social background, and kinship ties. Kinship ties being a social bond based on common ancestry, marriage, or adoption. Social psychologist Muzafer Sherif proposed to define a social unit as a number of individuals interacting with each other with respect to: Common motives and goals An accepted division of labor, i.e. roles Established status (social rank, dominance) relationships Accepted norms and values with reference to matters relevant to the group Development of accepted sanctions (praise and punishment) if and when norms were respected or violated Defining a Social Unit

5 Characteristics of Social Groups: Interaction This group component varies greatly, including verbal or non-verbal communication, social loafing, networking, forming bonds, etc. Research by Bales (cite, 1950, 1999) determine that there are two main types of interactions; relationship interactions and task interactions. Relationship interactions: “actions performed by group members that relate to or influence the emotional and interpersonal bonds within the group, including both positive actions (social support, consideration) and negative actions (criticism, conflict).” Task interactions: “actions performed by group members that pertain to the group’s projects, tasks, and goals." This involves members organizing themselves and utilizing their skills and resources to achieve something. 5 Characteristics of Social Groups:  Interaction

Most groups have a reason for their existence, be it increasing the education and knowledge, receiving emotional support, or experiencing spirituality or religion. Groups can facilitate the achievement of these goals. The circumplex model of group tasks, by Joseph McGrath organizes group related tasks and goals. Groups may focus on several of these goals, or one area at a time. The model divides group goals into four main types, which are further sub-categorized. 1. Generating: coming up with ideas and plans to reach goals Planning Tasks Creativity Tasks      2. Choosing: Selecting a solution. Intellective Tasks Decision-making Tasks      3. Negotiating: Arranging a solution to a problem. Cognitive Conflict Tasks Mixed Motive Task      4. Executing: Act of carrying out a task. Contests/Battles/Competitive Tasks Performance/Psychomotor Tasks Goals

Interdependence in Relation Some groups are more interdependent than others. For example, a sports team would have a relatively high level of interdependence as compared to a group of people watching a movie at the movie theater. Also, interdependence may be mutual (flowing back and forth between members) or more linear/unilateral. For example, some group members may be more dependent on their boss than the boss is on each of the individuals. Interdependence in Relation

Group structure involves the emergence or regularities, norms, roles and relations that form within a group over time. Roles involve the expected performance and conduct of people within the group depending on their status or position within the group. Norms are the ideas adopted by the group pertaining to acceptable and unacceptable conduct by members. Group structure is a very important part of a group. If people fail to meet their expectations within to groups, and fulfil their roles, they may not accept the group, or be accepted by other group members. Structure

When viewed holistically, a group is greater than the sum of its individual parts. When people speak of groups, they speak of the group as a whole, or an entity, rather than speaking of it in terms of individuals. For example, it would be said that “The band played beautifully.” Several factors play a part in this image of unity, including group cohesiveness, and entitativity (appearance of cohesion by outsiders) Unity