Post on 16-Jan-2016
12th Grade Sociology
I.) What exactly is a Group?
Group: a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals.
A Group is defined by……..Boundaries: features or characteristics which clearly define members of a group and distinguish those who not
II.) A “Group” is not
Social Category: people who share a social characteristic
Social Aggregate: people who are temporarily in the same place at the same time
III.) A “Group” is
Primary Group: people who know each other well, are emotionally close, and seek one another's company* Based on Primary Relationships (intimate, caring, personal, fulfilling)
How to develop?• small in size• face to face contact• continual contact• social environment
Function?• emotional support• socialization• conformity
Secondary Group: people who share only part of their lives and are together to accomplish a task or goal* Based on Secondary Relationships (impersonal, limited emotion)
How to develop?• social environment• segment of person’s life
Function?• to accomplish a goal• to complete a task
Reference Group: a group used for self-evaluation by which one forms attitudes, beliefs, norms.
Examples: Cliques, Teams, Countries, Races, Gangs, Neighborhoods
IV.) NetworksSocial Network: all of a person’s social relationships• Not a “group” itself• Includes both “primary” & “secondary” groups
Four things that happen through social networks:1. Diffusion: networks spread ideas and influence
- example: rumors
2. Exchanges: nobody is self-sufficent; networks allow people to exchange with others to obtain things they need and want
- example: resources
3. Social Support: networks can provide assistance and information in times of need
- example: moving to a new town
4. Exclusion: becoming connected to a network can open doors, whereas exclusion can bring about inequalities
- example: country clubs/social clubs
Now Apply It To Yourself: