Soc Lesson 7

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of a social group?

A shared income level

Interaction and common interests (correct)

A specific geographic location

A large number of individuals

What is an example of a category rather than a group?

A church congregation

A sports team

A family

Women (correct)

According to Charles Horton Cooley, what is a primary group?

A temporary gathering of strangers

A large, formal organization

A small, close-knit group with enduring bonds (correct)

A group with a specific social identity

What can cause a crowd to transform into a group quickly?

An unexpected occurrence Signup and view all the answers

What is true about members of a primary group?

They are viewed as complete social beings Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a crowd?

A haphazard arrangement of people Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a type of group?

Category Signup and view all the answers

What are two examples of organizations in Pakistan that promote social interaction and cooperation?

Professional associations and labour unions Signup and view all the answers

What type of groups have a set structure, objectives, and regulations?

Formal groups Signup and view all the answers

What serves as a point of comparison when evaluating our own beliefs and actions?

Reference group Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of conforming to groups we do not belong to in order to gain acceptance from others?

Anticipatory socialization Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a social group that a person feels competition with or hostility from?

Out-group Signup and view all the answers

According to Simmel, what is the smallest social group consisting of two members?

Dyad Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of conflict between in-groups and out-groups?

Accentuated borders between groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why people value relationships in primary groups?

For the emotional value and meaning they bring to their lives Signup and view all the answers

What term do sociologists use to describe the behavior of people in secondary groups?

Instrumental behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of secondary groups?

Interactions are often brief and formal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of primary groups according to Cooley?

To satisfy our emotional health Signup and view all the answers

What is a result of our identity being shaped by primary groups?

We adopt their opinions as our own Signup and view all the answers

Why are secondary groups important in modern society?

They are necessary for education and employment Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of secondary groups?

They offer opportunities for social interaction and collaboration Signup and view all the answers

Why are dyads inherently unstable?

Because they rely on both participants to function Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a triad over a dyad?

It is more stable due to the presence of a mediator Signup and view all the answers

Why may a married couple seek out a third party, such as a counselor?

To resolve conflicts with the help of a mediator Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of a triad?

Two members may work together to exert pressure on the third Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the proverb 'Two's company, three's a crowd'?

It illustrates the potential for exclusion in a triad Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of larger groups?

They are more stable and resilient to the loss of one or more members Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between group size and personal engagement?

As group size grows, personal engagement decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of formal rules and regulations in larger groups?

They are more important than personal attachment Signup and view all the answers

Why are married dyads sustained in society?

Because they are crucial to society Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A social group consists of two or more individuals who interact and share common interests, maintaining their uniqueness while thinking of themselves as a unique "we".

Nature of Groups: Primary vs Secondary

Primary Group: A small, close-knit group where people connect informally, forming enduring bonds, and valuing relationships for themselves, not just for what they can achieve.
- Examples: couples, families, close friends, and neighbors.
Secondary Group: A formal, impersonal setting where individuals work together to achieve a single goal, relating to each other in terms of specific responsibilities.
- Examples: teachers and students, coworkers, and club members.

Functions of Groups

Primary groups provide a sense of belonging, emotional support, and shape our identity.
Secondary groups are crucial for modern civilization, facilitating education, earning a living, spending leisure time, and encouraging social interaction and cooperation.

Types of Groups

In-group: A group we feel loyal to and belong to.
Out-group: A group we feel opposed to or in rivalry with.
Formal group: Has a set structure, objectives, and regulations.
Informal group: Formed based on common interests or social links.
Virtual group: Communicates mostly online, such as social media networks or online communities.

Reference Group

A social group that serves as a point of comparison, influencing our beliefs and actions.
Can be primary or secondary, and we often use them to evaluate ourselves.

In-group and Out-group

In-group: A social group we respect and feel devoted to.
Out-group: A social group we feel competition with or hostility from.
Conflict between in-groups and out-groups accentuates the boundaries between groups and helps people define their social identities.

Group Size: Dyad and Triad

Dyad: A social group with two members, characterized by intense social interaction, but unstable and dependent on both participants.
Triad: A social group with three members, more stable than a dyad, with one member potentially serving as a mediator in conflicts.

Key Concepts

Anticipatory socialisation: Conforming to groups we do not belong to in order to gain acceptance from others.
Cooley's "primary groups" concept: Small, close-knit groups that are fundamental in forming the social nature and ideas of the individual.

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Description

Learn about the nature and functions of social groups, including primary vs secondary groups, and types of groups. Understand how individuals interact and share common interests in various settings.