Download The Structure of Groups and Types of Social Interaction Chapter 4

The Structure of Groups
Chapter 5 Part I
Group
Dyad
Triad
Small Group
Primary Group
Secondary Group
Reference Group
In-group
Out-group
*** Fill in guided notes as we go
What is a group?
(FYI…the word “gang” is slang for group…they
are the same thing essentially”
 Four requirements
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2+
Must be meaningful interaction
Must share expectations
Must have some sense of common identity
Aggregates
If the last three requirements are not met
the people form an AGGREGATE.
 Example: a line of people waiting to board
a plane.
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Ways groups differ
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Length of time together
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Organizational structure
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Some meet once and never again, others are
together for years.
Can be formal= structure, goals, and activity
are clearly defined. (Student government)
Can be informal= no official structure or rules
of conduct. (Your circle of friends)
Size
Size
Smallest group is a DYAD…two members
 Each member has control over groups
existence
 One leaves, group ends.
 Decision stalemate if both disagree
 Group of three is a TRIAD
 Major changes occur when group goes
from 2 to 3
 No one person can disband the group
 Decision making easier 2 vs. 1

Small Group
A small group isn’t an exact number, but one
in which everyone is able to work on a “face
to face” basis.
 How large can a small group be?
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Sociologists have found that 15 is about the
largest number that can productively work well.
Once the number goes above 15, members tend
to pair off into smaller groups.
Types of groups: Primary Group
Small group of people who
interact over a relatively long
period of time on a direct and
personal basis.
 Personality of the individual
taken into account
 Relationships are intimate
 Communication is intense
 Structure is informal( no
rules!)
 Examples????

Types of groups: Secondary group
Interaction is temporary
and impersonal
 Reaction to only a part of
individual personality.
 Person’s importance is= to
their function
 Relationship limited and
casual.
 Individual can be replaced
 Organized around a
specific goal.
 Example=job

Reference Groups
We perform our roles and judge our behavior
with reference to the standards set by a
particular group or groups.
 A reference group is a group that influences
our behavior.
 We adopt the reference groups attitudes and
values.
 Can have positive and negative effects.
 We compare ourselves to them.
 Who are your reference groups????
 Parents??? A music group???
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In-groups and Out groups
All groups have boundaries… methods of
distinguishing between members and
nonmembers.
 Group in which you feel you belong=in-group
 Group you don’t identify with or feel you
belong to= out-group.
 “Mean girls”…the
“ingroup” was
everybody’s out-group.

In-groups
 Three
characteristics
 Separate themselves from other
groups (symbols, clothing, etc)
 View themselves as positive and
other “out-groups” as negative
 Compete with out-group's,
sometimes to the point of conflict.
E-Community

People who interact with one another on
the internet regularly.

They argue, engage in intellectual
discussion, exchange knowledge, share
intimate details of their lives, gossip,
argue, play games, and even flirt. The
only difference is that they do it online
rather than face to face.
Flip over your paper:
Write “Us” and Them the top of your
paper.
 Fill in the table with your “us” groups and
your “them” groups.
 Example: Sprayberry Students and
Lassiter Students
 1. Now go back and write a P for
primary group and an S for Secondary
group next to each of your groups in the
“Us” column above.
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Types Of Groups:
Primary
 Secondary
 Reference,
 In-groups
 Out-groups
 E-communities
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Each group has to create a collage or
poster that illustrates the characteristics
of it’s assigned type and create a slogan
that summarizes your group.
Bring Books to Class Tomorrow

Quick Reminder:
 Bring
Books to Class Tomorrow!!!