Social Groups and Networks

These flashcards cover key concepts related to social groups and networks as gleaned from the provided lecture notes.

What is a dyad in social groups?

A dyad is a social group consisting of two members.

What is a triad in social groups?

A triad is a social group consisting of three members.

What is the role of a mediator in a triad?

The mediator is the member of a triad who attempts to resolve conflicts between the other two members.

What does tertius gaudens mean?

Tertius gaudens refers to the third party in a triad who benefits from the conflict between the other two members.

What is 'divide et impera'?

Divide et impera is a strategy where one person in a group works to divide the others to maintain control.

What defines a small group?

A small group is characterized by the presence of a few members who can interact face-to-face.

What is a party in social groups?

A party is a social group that is larger than a small group but still allows for some interaction among its members.

What is a large group?

A large group is a social formation composed of a significant number of people, where interactions become less personal.

What are primary groups?

Primary groups are small, close-knit, and enduring groups that have direct and personal relationships.

What defines secondary groups?

Secondary groups are larger and more impersonal; they are task-oriented and less emotionally attached.

What is the Ash Experiment focused on?

The Ash Experiment investigates how group dynamics promote conformity among individuals.

What is an in-group?

An in-group is a social group with which a person identifies.

What is an out-group?

An out-group is a social group with which an individual does not identify.

What is a reference group?

A reference group is a group that individuals use as a standard for evaluating themselves and their behavior.

What is a social network?

A social network is a set of relationships among individuals, groups, or organizations.

What is a tie in social networks?

A tie is a connection between individuals in a social network.

What does narrative mean in social network analysis?

A narrative refers to the story formed by the connections and relationships within a social network.

What is embeddedness in social structures?

Embeddedness refers to the degree to which social relations are tied into social networks.

What is the strength of weak ties?

The strength of weak ties suggests that weak ties can be valuable for gaining new information and resources.

What is a structural hole?

A structural hole is a gap between social groups that can be bridged by individuals.

What are elastic ties?

Elastic ties are flexible connections that allow individuals to connect with diverse groups.

What concept does 'six degrees' refer to?

The concept of six degrees refers to the idea that any two people are connected through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than six intermediaries.

What is social capital?

Social capital refers to the resources available to individuals and groups through their social networks.

Who is Robert Putnam and what did he study?

Robert Putnam is a sociologist who studied social capital in the United States and its effects on societal health.

What is an organization?

An organization is a group of individuals working together in a structured way to achieve specific goals.

What is organizational culture?

Organizational culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and practices that shape how members interact within an organization.

What is organizational structure?

Organizational structure is the system that outlines how certain activities are directed in order to achieve an organization's goals.

What is isomorphism in institutions?

Isomorphism refers to the process that forces one unit in a population to resemble other units that face the same set of environmental conditions.