The Structure of Groups Chapter 5 Part I GroupIn-group DyadOut-group Triad Small Group*** Fill in guided notes as we go Primary Group Secondary Group Reference Group

What is a group? (FYI…the word “gang” is slang for group…they are the same thing essentially”  Four requirements 2+ Must be meaningful interaction Must share expectations Must have some sense of common identity

Aggregates  If the last three requirements are not met the people form an AGGREGATE.  Example: a line of people waiting to board a plane.

Ways groups differ  Length of time together Some meet once and never again, others are together for years.  Organizational structure Can be formal= structure, goals, and activity are clearly defined. (Student government) Can be informal= no official structure or rules of conduct. (Your circle of friends)  Size

Size  Smallest group is a DYAD…two members Each member has control over groups existence One leaves, group ends. Decision stalemate if both disagree  Group of three is a TRIAD Major changes occur when group goes from 2 to 3 No one person can disband the group Decision making easier 2 vs. 1

Small Group  A small group isn’t an exact number, but one in which everyone is able to work on a “face to face” basis.  How large can a small group be? Sociologists have found that 15 is about the largest number that can productively work well. Once the number goes above 15, members tend to pair off into smaller groups.

Types of groups: Primary Group  Small group of people who interact over a relatively long period of time on a direct and personal basis.  Personality of the individual taken into account  Relationships are intimate  Communication is intense  Structure is informal( no rules!)  Examples????

Types of groups: Secondary group  Interaction is temporary and impersonal  Reaction to only a part of individual personality.  Person’s importance is= to their function  Relationship limited and casual.  Individual can be replaced  Organized around a specific goal.  Example=job

Reference Groups  We perform our roles and judge our behavior with reference to the standards set by a particular group or groups.  A reference group is a group that influences our behavior.  We adopt the reference groups attitudes and values.  Can have positive and negative effects.  We compare ourselves to them.  Who are your reference groups????  Parents??? A music group???

In-groups and Out groups  All groups have boundaries… methods of distinguishing between members and nonmembers.  Group in which you feel you belong=in-group  Group you don’t identify with or feel you belong to= out-group.  “Mean girls”…the “ingroup” was everybody’s out-group.

In-groups  Three characteristics Separate themselves from other groups (symbols, clothing, etc) View themselves as positive and other “out-groups” as negative Compete with out-group's, sometimes to the point of conflict.

E-Community  People who interact with one another on the internet regularly.  They argue, engage in intellectual discussion, exchange knowledge, share intimate details of their lives, gossip, argue, play games, and even flirt. The only difference is that they do it online rather than face to face.

Flip over your paper:  Write “Us” and Them the top of your paper.  Fill in the table with your “us” groups and your “them” groups.  Example: Sprayberry Students and Lassiter Students  1. Now go back and write a P for primary group and an S for Secondary group next to each of your groups in the “Us” column above.

Types Of Groups:  Primary  Secondary  Reference,  In-groups  Out-groups  E-communities  Each group has to create a collage or poster that illustrates the characteristics of it’s assigned type and create a slogan that summarizes your group.

Bring Books to Class Tomorrow  Quick Reminder:  Bring Books to Class Tomorrow!!!