Sociology Chapter 6: Primary and Secondary Groups

Questions and Answers

What is a group?

At least two people who have one or more goals in common and share common ways of thinking and behaving.

What is a social category?

People who share a social characteristic.

What is a social aggregate?

People temporarily in the same place at the same time.

What constitutes a primary group?

People who are emotionally close, know one another well, and seek one another's company. Signup and view all the answers

What are primary relationships?

Interactions that are intimate, personal, caring, and fulfilling. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a secondary group?

People who share only part of their lives while focusing on a goal or task. Signup and view all the answers

What are secondary relationships?

Impersonal interactions involving limited parts of personalities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reference group?

A group used for self-evaluation and the formation of attitudes, values, beliefs, and norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is an in-group?

An exclusive group demanding intense loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

What is an out group?

A group targeted by an in-group for opposition, antagonism, or competition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a social network?

A web of social relationships that join a person to other people and groups. Signup and view all the answers

What does cooperation entail?

Interaction in which individuals or groups combine their efforts to reach a goal. Signup and view all the answers

What is conflict in social terms?

Interaction aimed at defeating an opponent. Signup and view all the answers

What is social exchange?

A voluntary action performed in the expectation of getting a reward in return. Signup and view all the answers

What is coercion?

Interaction in which individuals or groups are forced to behave in a particular way. Signup and view all the answers

What does conformity mean?

Behavior that matches group expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What is groupthink?

Self-deceptive thinking that is based on conformity to group beliefs, created by group pressure to conform. Signup and view all the answers

What is a formal organization?

A group deliberately created to achieve one or more long-term goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is bureaucracy?

A formal organization based on rationality and efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What does power refer to in a social context?

The ability to control the behavior of others. Signup and view all the answers

What is authority?

The legitimate or socially approved use of power. Signup and view all the answers

What does rationalization mean?

The mind-set emphasizing knowledge, reason, and planning. Signup and view all the answers

What is an informal organization?

Groups within a formal organization in which personal relationships are guided by norms, rituals, and sentiments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the iron law of oligarchy?

Theory that power increasingly becomes concentrated in the hands of a few members of any organization. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts of Groups in Sociology

Group: At least two individuals sharing common goals and thought patterns.
Social Category: Individuals sharing a specific social characteristic.
Social Aggregate: People in the same location at the same time, without any specific social relationship.

Types of Groups

Primary Group: Comprised of emotionally close individuals who know each other well and value each other's company.
Primary Relationships: Characterized by intimate, personal, and caring interactions that provide fulfillment.
Secondary Group: Consists of members who interact on a more superficial level, focusing primarily on specific tasks or goals.

Relationship Dynamics

Secondary Relationships: Involve impersonal interactions that touch upon limited aspects of individuals' personalities.
Reference Group: Utilized for self-evaluation and shaping personal attitudes, values, beliefs, and norms.

In-Group vs. Out-Group

In Group: An exclusive social entity that requires strong loyalty from its members.
Out Group: A social group that faces opposition or competition from the in-group.

Social Network: A web connecting individuals to varying groups and other people through social relationships.
Cooperation: Collaborative efforts between individuals or groups aiming to achieve shared objectives.
Conflict: Engagement intended to overcome an opponent.

Social Exchange: Voluntary actions undertaken with the expectation of receiving rewards.
Coercion: Imposing behaviors through pressure or force upon individuals or groups.
Conformity: Aligning behavior with group norms and expectations.
Groupthink: Flawed decision-making arising from group pressures that promote conformity.

Organizational Structures

Formal Organization: A group established purposefully to meet long-term goals.
Bureaucracy: A structured organization prioritizing rational operations and efficiency.
Informal Organization: Emerges within a formal organization, governed by personal relationships and unwritten norms.

Power and Control

Power: The capacity to influence or control others' behaviors.
Authority: Recognized or socially accepted power utilized legitimately.
Rationalization: A mindset focusing on logical reasoning, knowledge, and meticulous planning.

Theoretical Frameworks

Iron Law of Oligarchy: Suggests that power tends to concentrate in a select few within any organization over time.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts of primary and secondary groups from Sociology Chapter 6. This quiz covers important terms and definitions related to group dynamics and social categories. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of these fundamental sociological concepts.