Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Social Structure Social Structure: society is organized in a way that makes human behavior and relationships possible Behavior is socially patterned

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Components of Social Structure Role perception: the way someone perceives expectations; may differ from prescribed roles; ex. Students who feel they don’t always have to get good grades Role performance: what we actually do Role ambiguity: expectations of a role are unclear

Components of Social Structure Role strain: can’t achieve expectations; too many demands of time Have to learn to balance work load Role conflict: demands interfere with each other; ex: single moms

Applying Knowledge of Roles Does the individual shape the role or does the role shape the individual? Examples: corrupt gov’t officials; maternal or paternal instincts; “party animal” college students Zimbardo’s prison experiment Personal and interpersonal behavior-more than a matter of individual personalities

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Types of Social Interaction Cooperation: work to achieve a common goal; ex: group class project; football team Competition: agree to established rules; ex: students for grades; employees for promotions; athletic teams Conflict: one person or group attempts to control another person or group; resolution methods need to be developed

Types of Social Interaction Coercion: the use of intimidation, threat, or violence to control others; ex: threat of punishment

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Primary & Secondary Groups Primary groups: Person-oriented Secondary groups: Goal-oriented Importance of Primary Groups: shaping personality; self-concept; sense of personal worth No primary group affiliations: greater health problems

Primary & Secondary Groups Importance of Secondary Groups: help societies function effectively; perform jobs more efficiently; may be the source of primary group relationships

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

In Groups/Out Groups In group members may stereotype out- group members (ex: Iraquis are terrorists; all whites are racists). What if I assume all students are unmotivated and lazy? When threats are perceived from out- groups, solidarity is heightened. (ex: unity after 9/11 In-group identities may cause conflict: Catholic and believe in right for abortion

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Relative Deprivation Employers should be aware of employees’ reference groups Raises: 10% across the board; higher salaried employees make out much better Understand that deprivation is relative may help us better deal with our own inadequacies and dissatisfactions

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Member Interactions 2 person group-each has a responsibility to interact; one drops out, group no longer exists 3 people; one can drop out, group still exists; one may be an arbitrator; also may be a source of conflict As members increase, stability of the group decreases

Division of Labor Small groups-members may engage in same activities As size increases, activities become more specialized

Rigid and Formal Structure Small groups-operate informally; unwritten rules Large groups: Robert’s Rules of Order Small business: people choose jobs according to likes/dislikes Large business: committees make decisions about jobs and schedules

Need for Formal Leadership As size increases, activities need to be coordinated; group leaders emerge Power and authority figures are established; these people influence the behavior of others

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing Instrumental leaders: goal oriented; ways to achieve them; persuade members to act appropriately Direct activities; help make group decisions More likely to create friction because of their goal-oriented leadership style

Two Types of Small Group Leaders Expressive leaders: concentrate on resolving conflicts; creating group harmony and social cohesion Make sure everyone gets along and is happy Both kinds are needed

Born Leaders? Is there such a thing as a born leader? Can’t simply look at individual traits Must examine cultural factors, training, experience, skills, and social circumstances

Changes in Communication Patterns Large groups: leaders dominate discussions Small groups: more participation from individuals

Size Increases/Cohesion Decreases Cohesiveness usually improves group performance Cohesiveness increases group stability; increases cooperation Sense of “we-ness”

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Social Organizations Social Organization: whole is greater than the sum of its parts To analyze organizations, focus is on social structure, not the individual Social organization: refers to stable patterns within society; eg. Norms, values, institutions, etc.

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Bureaucracy 3. Impersonality: separation of person from the organization; expected to maintain integrity and separate personal from professional lives 4. Qualifications: selected on the basis of merit; tests and education 5. Career Pattern: seniority is valued and rewarded; more time should bring raises and promotions

Bureaucracy 6. Written Rules: job descriptions; handbooks; define responsibilities of positions

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Do Bureaucracies have to be dehumanizing and impersonal? Japan: guaranteed lifetime employment, participation in decision making, team- based activities, workers trained and rotated among a variety of specialties, minimal adversarial relationships, diminished status distinctions between workers and management

Introduction to Sociology, 5/e © 2012 BVT Publishing

Employee Drug Testing Read pp Should drug testing be allowed or prohibited in all work situations? Where should the line be drawn with regard to control over our private lives? Should any other types of personal behavior be prohibited if they are deemed to be a threat to safety or productivity?