CHAPTER 4

Section 1: Building Blocks of Social Structure

Section 2: Types of Social Interaction

Section 3: Types of Societies

Section 4: Groups Within Society

Section 5: The Structure of Formal Organizations

Social Structure

SECTION 1

Question:What are the two major components of social structure, and how do they affect human interaction?

Building Blocks of Social Structure

SECTION 1Building Blocks of Social Structure

Status Examples of Roles

Examples of Conflict / Strain

fire fighter

mother

P.T.A. president

putting out fires, saving lives, wearing a uniform

voluntarily puts self in danger but has loved ones who need him or her

work fatigue and long shifts make household tasks and interactions difficult

providing food and shelter, nurturing family, disciplining children

running meetings, recruiting new members, planning activities

has trouble getting members to attend and follow through on promises

SECTION 2

Question:What are some common types of social interaction, and what are examples of each?

Types of Social Interaction

SECTION 2

Types of Social Interaction

Types of Social Interactions

Exchange Competition

Cooperation

Accommodation

Conflict

SECTION 3

Types of Societies

Question:What are the three main types of societies and characteristics or examples of each?

SECTION 3

Types of Societies

Preindustrial Industrial

Postindustrial

Types of Societies

hunting and gathering; pastoral; horticultural; mechanical solidarity

manufacturing

agricultural

urban; technology;

organic solidarity

information; provision of services

SECTION 4

Groups Within Society

Question:What are the purposes and functions of groups?

SECTION 4

Groups Within Society

define boundaries

set goals

make decisions control members’ behavior

assign tasks

select leaders

GROUP FUNCTIONS

SECTION 5

Question:How are bureaucracies structured?

The Structure of Formal Organizations

SECTION 5The Structure of Formal Organizations

Head of the Bureaucracy

(CEO, Superintendent, president, etc.)

Department Head/VP

(subordinates)

Department Head/VP

Chapter Wrap-Up

1. How can a person’s status differ from his or her role?2. How does role conflict affect groups and individuals?

How can it be resolved?3. What are the five most common forms of interaction

recognized by sociologists?4. Identify and describe the three broad categories of

societies used by sociologists.5. How do the roles of group members differ between

primary and secondary groups?6. What, according to Max Weber’s model, are the major

characteristics of a bureaucracy?7. What weaknesses influence the effectiveness of

bureaucracies?

1. How can a person’s status differ from his or her role?2. How does role conflict affect groups and individuals?

How can it be resolved?3. What are the five most common forms of interaction

recognized by sociologists?4. Identify and describe the three broad categories of

societies used by sociologists.5. How do the roles of group members differ between

primary and secondary groups?6. What, according to Max Weber’s model, are the major

characteristics of a bureaucracy?7. What weaknesses influence the effectiveness of

bureaucracies?

CHAPTER 4