Social Organization PDF
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Henrietta Mitchell
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This document discusses social organization, including social groups, social networks, in-groups, out-groups, reference groups, and types of leaders. It explores how these concepts relate to individual behavior and group dynamics. The paper provides examples of various social groups and their characteristics.
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HENRIETTA MITCHELL Social Organization Social Group A social group consists of individuals who are united by their similar characteristics, and these characteristics serve as the bases of their constant interaction. however, not all individuals who share similar character...
HENRIETTA MITCHELL Social Organization Social Group A social group consists of individuals who are united by their similar characteristics, and these characteristics serve as the bases of their constant interaction. however, not all individuals who share similar characterisitics interact with one another. This phenomenon is observed in social categories. Social Network A social network consists of individuals who have dyadic relationships that are interacting with other relationships within a structure. Simply stated, a social network is a social structure consisting of people who have varying degrees of relations and interrelationships A sociogram is a visual representation of the social networks present in one group or more. This was developed by Jacob Moreno, a psychotherapist, in 1951 to understand the dynamics of the intersections of social groups (eg, individuals, peers) within the structure (e g., a school, a church, a village) In-Groups An in-group is the social group in which in individual directly affiliates and expresses loyalty to its three primary characteristics reinforce the boundary that it creates between its members and those coming from other groups. 1.Members use titles, external symbols, and dress to distinguish themselves from the out-group (Shandra, 2007). One of the most recent subcultural categories formed in our country is that of the jejemons. This group is popular for their distinguishable dress code and language. they would usually wear rainbow-colored caps, loose shirts, and pants. In terms of language, their alteration of the spelling of words has given them a form of exclusivity from those who are not part of the culture. J3j3m0nZxx Military groups can also be seen as having a very strong in-group culture. The bonds that military personnel create with one another are enhanced by their shared ideals, practices and experiences From a prescribed haircut that everyone shares, to the symbols that everyone upholds, this group is able to detach themselves from the greater majority 2.Members apply positive stereotypes to their im-group and negative stereotypes to the out-group (Shandra, 2007). Generally, the in-group consists of the majority who defines what is normal and acceptable. Those who do not conform to the prescribed norms are considered part of the on-group: The phenomenon of individuals preferring members and behaviors practiced within an in-group as opposed to those from the out-group is called in-group favoritism. This is crucial in reinforcing self-esteem within the group by creating biases that make the in- group the ‘superior’ over the out-group 3.Members tend to clash or compete with members of the out-group. This competition with the other group can also strengthen the unity within each group (Shandra, 2007). Rivalries among schools, which are highlighted intergroup aggression takes place as members of the in-group during competitions in sports, quiz bees, and harm individuals from the out-group due to their undesirable rankings, are a prime example of how members traits that clash with the in-group's prescribed norms. Bullying is an example of intergroup aggression, as members of a from an in-group tend to compete with the out- dominant group infliet harm on an individual who is perceived group. School spirit is often intensified through the to be an outsider. Stereotypes and prejudice are often created common desire of individuals in a group to succeed by members of the in-group against those from the out-group. against the opposing group. This is due to the ethnocentric orientation of the members in an in-group. Out-Groups This is the group that an individual is not part of. Negative attributes are usually associated with individuals who are part of this group. Individuals from an out-group are usually considered malevolent even if they are not. Because members of the in-group perceive themselves as diverse and complex, members of the out-group are described as a group without any differentiation. Hence, these individuals are prone to being stereotyped and, worse, dehumanized, as members of the in-group refer to them solely on the bases of their projected characteristics. For example, an individual who is part of an in-group of heterosexuals would consider those with different genders as part of the out-group without distinguishing what types of gender they have. In cases of war, opposing groups tend to dehumanize each other, often leading to countless deaths. Reference-Groups (MOST IDEAL) The behavior of an individual can be shaped by the set of behavior and beliefs of a group that such an individual considers as ideal. This ideal group is called the reference group, which is used by an individual as a standard to measure his or her actions. Systems for ranking the efficiency effect that being a member of the of universities have allowed for reference group has. On the the creation of reference groups contrary, a negative self- in the academic field. The evaluation often results from the universities that are listed as the comparison effect that a reference best among their counterparts group has on individuals who try are held as a reference point by to appraise their behavior based which others attempt to restructure their programs and on its prescribed norms. objectives. Primary and Secondary Groups Group membership has been a key element in fostering the development of the social nature and ideals of an individual. Each individual is part of a primary group and a secondary group from which he or she learns the culture of his or her society. Primary groups are the direct sources of an individual's social skills and knowledge. The bonds that an individual forms with members of these groups extend over long periods of time. An individual's primary groups usually consist of family, friends, peers, classmates, and church. Due to the connection between the individual and the members of this group, primary relationships are formed from these social sets. As familiarity is present in these relations, forms of interaction and communication are often informal and holistic. This implies that your relationship with your parents is not rigid and cuts across all areas of your life. Hence, a breakfast conversation about your grades in school may turn to a discussion of your expected roles in your home. Small and traditional societies often promote primary relationships, as everyone in the village tends to be interrelated by kinship, economic engagement, and religious orientation. Secondary groups are more formal in context as the relationships and interactions in them are limited to a particular role that an individual plays within the group. This may consist of relationships that are temporary and practical such as that of a client and an agent, a researcher and an informant, and a tenant and a landlord. In these types of relationships, face-to-face interaction is limited and communication is often formal. As such, discussions relating to the personal are often discouraged in this setting. Small Groups The type and extent of human interaction depends on the size of the group that they belong to. A large group tends to promote detachment through indirect interaction. Isolated members often cope by creating small groups that foster direct interaction among its members. This type of interaction often forms exclusivity, as experiences and ideas are strictly shared within the context of the small group. Primary relationships are created in a small group, whereas secondary relationships are experienced in a large group A family is an example of a small group, and a village (barangay) is an example of a large group. The most cohesive and directly interacting small group is called the dyad, which consists of two individuals. Such a relationship has potential for the formation of strong bonds due to the constant interaction that the individuals have. However, it is also prone to ruin, as conflict between the two individuals can result in the dissolution of the relationship. A small group of three individuals is called a 'triad'. This type of small group has lesser cohesion than a dyad because of the lesser personal connection that each individual has with the other members in the group. Leadership and Conformity Do you follow the behavior of your group, or do you opt to go against it? How do you respond to the demand for conformity from members of your group? Group behavior is influenced by the norms of the group individuals belong to, with conformity being the act of following these norms due to pressure or influence from others. In smaller groups, there is stronger pressure to conform, leading to stricter adherence to norms. In larger groups, where relationships are more distant and members can remain anonymous, nonconformity is more common, resulting in a wider range of behaviors. The anonymity in large groups allows individuals to view others as strangers, making it easier to disregard group norms. Smaller groups tend to practice group-alunk, which is a united acceptance and practice of idea that is believed as a form of group loyalty This form of mentality to sometimes based on the majority's perspective and decaton that may not always be logical and correct. Every group tends to have leaders who exercise authority over its members. There are two types of leaders in a small group: Expressive Instrumental An expressive leader is Instrumental leaders motivated by the implement a directive style of management, wherein relationships that he or she members of the group are has with the members of the directed to perform tasks group. This leader employs a that lead to the achievement cooperative style of of the group goal. This type management, wherein the of leader is achievement opinions of the members are motivated, which makes the accounted for as the main purpose of the group and goal of group is to maintain the individuals defined by its cohesion. the goals they have set. Social Organizations Organizations are created by individuals to foster a more direet relaondup in secondary group setting When a secondary group is directed by na goals, it as referred to as a fостой, ограньсан This would inchide groups such as political parties and academic and professicsial organization Formal organizations are driven by their goals, which shape their programs and activities. Within these formal organizations, informal organizations can form, based on personal relationships between members. For example, a medical practitioners association is a formal organization with ties defined by its objectives, while a subgroup formed through camaraderie among colleagues would be an informal organization. Informal organizations generally cater to individual needs, unlike formal organizations that focus on structure and objectives. Organizational Models Studying organizations require conceptual models that provide definitions and characterizations of human groups. In sociology, two of the most prominent models are the bureaucratic organization and the collectivist organization Bureaucratic Organization Model Max Weber's concept of modern Western society highlights the influence of cultural diversity and technological development in shaping formal, bureaucratic organizations. These organizations rely on written rules and regulations to efficiently achieve their objectives. Power within these organizations is hierarchical, with authority figures (bureaucrats) holding power tied to their office, not personally. Once their position is dissolved, their power is removed as well. Collectivist Organization Model This organizational model responded to the issues that confronted the bureaucratic model. Based on Karl Marx's theory on the evolution of society, this model predicts the demise of bureaucratic organizations within a shift from a class-based to a classless society in this new order, the hierarchy created in a bureaucratic society is erased to the extent that the supervisors and workers are collectively and harmoniously functioning toward the achievement of the organization's goals Equality is a common theme in this model.