Social Structure Ch. 4

Groups Within Society What is a Group? 4 Major Features It MUST consist of two or more people There MUST be interaction among the members Members MUST have shared expectations Members MUST possess some sense of common identity

Group Size- Dyad TWO members Each with direct control over the groups existence If one leaves the groups ends. Decision making may be difficult especially if there is a failure to agree.

Triad THREE members Group has a life of its own independent of members No one person can disband the group Decision making is easier because of tendency to majority

Small Group Must have few enough members that all can interact face-to-face Maximum is 15 Sociology has found that at greater than 15 members there is a tendency to sort into smaller groups

Formal Groups Structure, goals and activities are clearly defined. Ex. Student government

Informal Group No official structure or established rules of conduct Ex. Your circle of friends

Types of Groups Primary Groups (Ex. Family) Secondary Groups (Ex. Impersonal, temporary, a classroom) Reference Groups (any group with whom individuals identify) Methods of distinguishing members/non-members In-groups (the group a person belongs to and identifies with) Out-groups (any group that a person does not belong to or identify with) E-communities

Primary Groups Allow a greater level of non-conformity People tend to show a greater level of commitment to primary group norms High value is placed on primary group membership Membership usually lasts longer than secondary groups

Group Functions Define boundaries (Who is a member & who is not) Must select leaders Must set goals, assign tasks and make decisions Must control members behavior through effective sanctions