Sociology Chapter on Social Groups and Structures

Social Structure

• Groups are a collection of people with similar norms, values, and expectations who interact regularly.
• Dyads are groups of two people, while triads are groups of three. (Simmel)
• Social categories are people who share a common characteristic, but don't necessarily interact.
• Social aggregates are people who happen to be in the same place at the same time, but don't necessarily share a common characteristic.
• Primary groups are small, consistent groups characterized by intimate interactions and emotional attachments. (Cooley)
• Secondary groups are larger, temporary groups formed for achieving specific goals.
• Reference groups are groups that individuals compare themselves to when evaluating their qualities, attitudes, and behaviors.
• In-groups refer to the groups you belong to, while out-groups are those you don't belong to. (Sumner)
• In-group heterogeneity refers to the tendency to recognize subtle differences among members of one's own group.
• Out-group homogeneity refers to the tendency to perceive all members of an out-group as the same. (Quattrone)
• Stereotypes are unreliable generalizations about members of a group, failing to recognize individual differences.
• Stereotypes are often reinforced by selective perception, where we focus on information that confirms our existing beliefs.
• Schema (generalized mental models) help us classify and understand our experiences, which can contribute to stereotyping. (Allport)

Social Density

• Social density refers to the amount of time people spend together and the diversity of their contacts. (Collins)
• High social density contributes to greater cultural conformity among individuals.
• Low social density can lead to individualism and a more self-centered perspective.
• Diverse interactions encourage individuals to think more abstractly and consider long-range consequences.

Bureaucracy

• Bureaucracy is a formal organization style emphasizing rationality, logic, and rules to achieve maximum efficiency. (Weber)
• Bureaucracy has five key characteristics that create an ideal type (a theoretical model).
• Division of Labor: Individuals specialize in one specific job, promoting expertise.
  • Possible problems include boredom, difficulty in promotion, and the potential of one individual disrupting the entire organization.
• Hierarchy of Authority: Jobs are ranked, with limited powerful individuals at the top, allowing for efficient decision-making.
  • Possible problems include decision-makers being disconnected from workers, differing standards between decision-makers and workers, and potential for unethical decision-making.
• Written Rules and Regulations: All tasks are performed according to specific rules, ensuring uniformity and consistent performance.
• Impersonality: Tasks are completed objectively, disregarding individual characteristics, to ensure unbiased application of rules.
  • Potential problems include a lack of guidance for situations without specific rules, individuals desiring to be treated uniquely, and workers potentially focusing more on rules than efficient task completion.
• Employment Based on Technical Qualification: Hiring and promotion decisions are based solely on performance evaluated against specific standards.
  • Potential problems include difficulty in measuring skills, the potential for everyone exceeding standards, and the "Peter Principle" (promotion to the level of one's incompetence).

Iron Cage of Rationality

• Weber worried about the stifling impact of bureaucracy on original thought and rational action, creating an "iron cage" of rationality.
• McDonaldization of Society (Ritzer):
  • Focuses on the spread of McDonald’s business model to other industries.
  • This model emphasizes efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control in service and product delivery.

Test your knowledge on the distinctions between primary and secondary groups, the dynamics of in-groups versus out-groups, and the implications of social categories. This quiz also covers concepts like reference groups, out-group homogeneity, stereotypes, and the role of schemas in social perception.