*Social Groups & Group
Behaviour
*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.
*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
*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
*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)
*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
*On the Sidewalk Bleeding
*Show Video
*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?
*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
*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.
*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
*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
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