social groups & group behaviour
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Social Groups & Group Behaviour. Characteristics of a Social Group. Social Scientists define a social group as a group of two or more people who have four characteristics: They interact regularly and influence each other. They believe they have something in common (a shared identity). - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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*Social Groups & Group
Behaviour
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*Characteristics of a Social GroupSocial Scientists define a social group as a group of two or more people who have four characteristics:*They interact regularly and influence each
other.*They believe they have something in common
(a shared identity).*They have an informal or formal social
structure with leaders and followers.*They have a group consensus on certain
values, behaviours, and goals.
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*Social groups can have an informal (eg., friends) or formal (eg., political affiliations) structure*Several people gathered together at the same time
(eg. Class, bus stop…) do not form a social group. This collection of people is called an aggregate.
*Characteristics of a Social Group
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*3 Viewpoints on Social Groups*Anthropological View*Primates work in groups to
protect and find scarce food sources*Humans - traced back to
hunter-gather societies*As humans progressed,
groups extended to include various classes based on occupations*Modern society - extended
further – b/c technology
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*3 Viewpoints on Social Groups*Sociological View*Focus on types of groups
today and how they affect behaviour.*2 groups:*Primary – small group with
personal relationship (eg., family, peers)*Secondary – impersonal,
formal, temporary. Judged for what member can do more than who they are (eg., sport team)
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*Sociological Aspects of a Social Group*Social groups have a powerful impact on our
thinking and behaviour*Within a social group there are:
*Roles – beh. that individuals w/in a group are expected to perform
*Norms – guidelines for our beh. for our various roles
*Sanctions – how the group rewards or punishes members in order to control their behaviour (eg., paycheque, grades)
*The roles that we are assigned/acquire w/in our various social groups have a dramatic impact on thinking, attitudes and our behaviour
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*On the Sidewalk Bleeding
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*Show Video
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*On the Sidewalk Bleeding*Questions*What social groups existed in the story?*What role does Andy play in his social group?*What attitudes and behaviours did Andy’s as well as the other
group present?*What sanctions are placed on these groups that guide their
behaviour?*What were the attitudes of the passers by towards Andy’s social
group?*Why does Andy take off his jacket?*Why would Andy, or anyone else, want to join a social group such
as a gang?
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*3 Viewpoints on Social Groups*Psychological View*Focus on how an individual’s
thoughts, feelings and actions are affected by groups*Examine willingness to conform
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*ConformityIs conformity the same as obedience? No!
1. Conformity occurs in the absence of a direct, observable command.
2. 2. Conformity is likely to be denied rather than used as an excuse for behaviour.
3. Conformity requires no authority figure.
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*Psychological Factors Affecting Conformity*Four common factors that influence conformity:*Group Attractiveness – more attractive = more to
conform. Less status w/in group = more likely to follow*Group Unanimity – likely to conform when total
agreement exists*Public vs. Private Response - people are more likely to
conform than express unique opinions*Nature of the Task – vague questions/tasks are easy to
conform to – less likely to conform if a task/question is specific and factual
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*Psychological Groupthink*Groupthink occurs when group members have
such a strong desire to reach a consensus or agreement that the group loses its ability to critically examine alternatives
*Group members become so focused on the consensus answer, they no longer think of possible alternatives and defend the position they have taken when criticised by outsiders
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Eight symptoms of groupthink:Illusion of invulnerability – promotes risk taking
Collective rationalization – don’t listen to warnings
Belief in inherent morality – ignore ethical consequences because of perceived righteousness
Stereotyped views of out-groups – stereotyping enemy as bad
Direct pressure on dissenters – pressure to NOT question
Self-censorship – do not express doubt
Illusion of unanimity – judgments are assumed to be unanimous.
Self-appointed ‘mindguards’ – Members protect the group