cooperation & competition/group dynamics
group dynamics - refers to the processes that occur within the group that we belong to (ingroup) & the interactions between ingroup & outgroup (inter-group processes)
important to remember that a group’s behaviour is influenced by the ppl within the group
but some ppl believe that individuals’ behaviour changes once they’re in a group
so group behaviour is the result of interaction between group members & the importance they provide to group’s membership
group mind - is a phenomenon where the power of the group is so strong that it shapes individual’s behaviour & causes them to engage in actions and behaviours they previously never would hv engaged with
everyone basically acts as one, and each group member loses individuality
being part of a group could also free members from social responsibility & the need to act in a socially responsible manner
social exchange theory - ppl want to join groups that provide them with maximum reward
past experiences are also a factor in choosing ingroup - positive experiences with similar groups in the past, would encourage individuals to select similar groups in the future
choosing groups is important to us, cuz groups construct our identity & self-esteem
if goals aren’t shared between groups, competition & conflict are more likely to occur
realistic group conflict theory - inter-group conflict can arise when groups hv conflicting goals & are competing for limited resources
if one group succeeds in obtaining the resources, the other group is affected
if groups are pursuing a subordinate (common) goal & they need to cooperate in order to succeed, this cooperation can help overcome prejudice & discrimination
theory of group position - when members of an ingroup believe they’re entitled to certain resources & they perceive an outgroup trying to make claims to these resources, conflict & competition can arise
social dominance theory - i think its smthg about how ppl want to be able to dominate a society
terror management theory - can textbook for this
cooperation - refers to groups or individuals working together for mutual benefit
both parties win in some way
built on communication & trust
competition - refers to groups or individuals working against each other for selfish motives
there is a clear winner & a clear loser (victory of one party comes at the expense of another party)
could involve competition over limited resources
theories of cooperation
Kin Selection Theory - individuals are more likely to cooperate with family than anyone else
Reciprocal Altruism theory - individuals may expect repayment if they help someone “i scratch your back you scratch my back” kind of mindset
Mutualistic collaboration - individuals cooperate for mutual benefit
people may be collaborative because they need to do so in order to survive
collaborating with others means individuals can access resources or information they may not be able to, and therefore would have a greater chance of survival