Chapter 5 - Social Interaction, Group, and Social Structure

What are recurring patterns of social behaviour, where interrelationships are of parts of a social system called?

Social structure

status

A socially defined position within society.

What are recurring patterns of social behaviour, where interrelationships are of parts of a social system called?

Social structure

status

A socially defined position within society.

master status

 A status that dominates all others.

Being a professor at a campus or being at home is considered what?

master status

ascribed status

Advantages and disadvantages assigned at birth

achieved status

 Attributes that individuals gain throughout their life based on effort

what can constrain achieved status?

ascribed statuses

social scripts

 The culturally constructed, socially enforced practices that we are all expected to follow when we interact in social situations

role conflict

 A situation that occurs when incompatible expectations arise when one individual holds two or more social positions.

role strain

The difficulty that arises when the same social position imposes conflicting demands and expectations.

looking smart by contributing in class, but don’t look like a know-it-all is an example of what?

role strain

role conflict

A situation that occurs when incompatible expectations arise when one individual holds two or more social positions.

what are the Four stages of role exit?

1. Doubt

2. Search for alternatives

3. Action stage/departure

4. New identity

primary group

A small group characterized by intimate face-to-face interactions

secondary group

A formal impersonal group with little social intimacy

in-group

A group or category to which people feel they belong

out-group

A group to which people do not feel they belong.

reference group

Any group that individuals use as a standard for evaluating themselves

obedience

The notion that an individual will adhere to a set of rules or social codes

conformity

When individuals or members of a group seek to be similar in terms of dress and behaviour.

coalition

The aligning of groups toward a common goal.

social network

A network of individuals (such as friends, acquaintances, and co-workers) connected by interpersonal relationships

what is social media?

virtual social networks

what do Social institutions do in social structure?

They are persistent behavioural and relationship patterns in society, that regulate people’s behaviour

mechanical solidarity

Characteristic of societies with a minimal division of labour and group solidarity (Émile Durkheim; functionalist)

organic solidarity

Characteristic of societies with a large division of labour and group interdependence. (Émile Durkheim; functionalist)

Gemeinschaft

Past society as defined by a shared past and communal networks, such as family and religious institutions. (Émile Durkheim; functionalist)

Gesellschaft 

Present society as defined by market relations, business contracts, individuality, and competition. (Émile Durkheim; functionalist)

What is the conflict perspective to social institutions?

Agrees that social institutions meet basic social needs, but believe the institutions maintain the privileges of the powerful through exploitation

What is the symbolic interactionism perspective to social structure?

Daily interactions create and recreate social structure, and impression management

your actions as a student and your professor’s actions as teacher perpetuate a system of education is an example of what perspective?

symbolic interactionism

What is the feminism perspective to social structure?

Many aspects of social structure are gendered, can disadvantage women and girls

What does anti-racist feminists examine?

the gendered and racialized nature of the social structure

organizations

Large groups that have a collective goal or purpose.

formal organizations

Deliberately planned groups that coordinate people, capital, and tools through formalized roles, statuses, and relationships to efficiently achieve a specific set of goals.

bureaucracy

Formal organizations that thrive in both the public and private sector.

What are the ideal bureaucracy characteristics according to Weber (1946)?

1. Division of labour

2. Hierarchy of authority

3. Written rules and regulations

4. Written documents

5. Impersonality

6. Hiring and promotion based on technical merit

What is division of labour?

When everyone has a specific task

What is Hierarchy of authority?

positions are ranked in a hierarchical fashion

What are written rules and regulation?

rules are clear and concise

What are written documents?

documentation in writing making it possible to enforce rules

What is Impersonality?

equal treatment is supported by carrying out rules without personal consideration

What is Hiring and promotion based on technical merit?

positions are filled based on technical qualifications (being particularly good or worthy)

What formal organization is this in which these problems arise?

• Rigid rules can create inefficiencies

• Members may see clients as categories rather than people

• This may mean that unique needs are not met

• Creates hostility in the public and weakens the organization’s authority and legitimacy

Bureaucracies

McDonaldization

The process by which the principles of the fast-food industry have come to dominate organizations (by George Ritzer).

What are the four principles of McDonaldization

1. Efficiency

2. Predictability

3. Calculability

4. Control

What is the efficiency principle?

find the best route to goals

What is the Predictability principle?

experiences are the same across places and time

What is the Calculability principle

emphasize quantity over quality

What is the control principle?

use non-human technology as much as possible