types of groups, group dynamics, social capital

social statuses, social roles, agents of socialization part 2

groups

people with shared normative expectations and collective identity

share a sense of belonging, not simply aggregate

group norms and sanctions shape social interaction

key element of social structure

primary group

small group characterized by close interpersonal interaction

satisfy basic human need for intimacy

powerful force in socialization process

secondary group

larger, more complex and anonymous, formal group

typically based on some common interest or activity ex.) work, school, religion

members often occupy formal positions

primary groups often exist within secondary groups

in groups

groups toward which one feels belonging or loyalty ex.) “we” or “us”

out groups

groups toward which one does not feel belonging or may even feel antagonism ex.) “they” or “them”

what does groups cause?

produces loyalties and rivalries

underlies many of the world’s deepest divisions ex.) racial/ ethnic inequality, terrorism

refrence groups

a group that is used as a standard for evaluating social behavior ex.) family, neighborhood, teachers, coworkers, member of religious group

provides a yardstick for behavior and thus social control

dyad

a two member group

triad

a three member group

coalition building

becomes possible in triads

effects of group size?

as a small group grows larger it becomes more stable, it becomes less intimate, and more formal, our attitudes and behavior change ex.) helping others and the diffusion of responsibility

groupthink

process by which alternative or dissenting views are marginalized/dismissed by majority

networks

set of informal and/or formal social ties that link people to one another

operate at various scales

web of relationships

social capital

the resources available to people through their social networks

can provide access and obstacles to resources

bonding social capital

within group social capital; in group. network density

bridging social capital

between group social capital; linkages across social cleavages

the strength of weak ties

great resources available through weak (vs strong) network contacts