Social Groups and Organizations Chapter 6

Learning Objectives  Distinguish between primary and secondary groups.  Explain the functions of groups.  Understand the role of reference groups.  Know the influence of group size.  Understand the characteristics of bureaucracy.  Know what Michels’s concept of “the iron law of oligarchy” is.  Understand why social institutions are important.

The Nature of Groups Identifiable Collections of People  Social Group  Social Aggregate – number of people with temporary physical proximity

Social Group  A number of people connected by common identity, seeking unity as a result of shared goals and norms

Social Aggregate  A number of people with temporary physical proximity to each other

Types of Groups  Primary – intimate face-to-face association with total interaction; form the social nature and ideas of individuals  Secondary – less intimate; impersonal, formalized, and with specific goals

Functions of Groups  Define boundaries  Choose leaders  Make decisions  Set goals  Assign tasks  Control members’ behavior

Reference Groups  Used by individuals to: 1.Help define beliefs 2.Determine attitudes and values 3.Provide guidance for behavior 4.Provides comparison point for measuring self against others

Small Groups  Broadly applied term, including Families Families Peer groups Peer groups Work groups Work groups Size allows all members to know one another 1.Dyad (2 members) 2.Triad (3 members)

Example of a Dyad Dyad Pilot and Co-Pilot Engaged couple

Large Groups/Associations Associations with purposeful special interest goals and official hierarchy

Large Groups – Examples Government departments Government departments Businesses/factories Businesses/factories Labor unions Labor unions Schools and colleges Schools and colleges Hospitals and clinics Hospitals and clinics Formal structure dominates; informal structure emerges

Group Form & Function  Varies dependent on Social location Social location Social structure Social structure Simplicity or complexity of society Simplicity or complexity of society

Tönnies on Groups  Gemeinschaft (community) – with intimate, cooperative, and personal relationships; personal reciprocity and group care  Gesellschaft (society) – with impersonal, independent, and formal relationships; self interest served first and economic exchange

Durkheim on Groups  Built on the collective conscience that produces social solidarity Mechanical solidarity – strong collective conscience with great commitment to that conscience; small simple society Mechanical solidarity – strong collective conscience with great commitment to that conscience; small simple society Organic solidarity – cooperation of individuals performing specialized tasks; large complex society Organic solidarity – cooperation of individuals performing specialized tasks; large complex society

GroupsandBureaucracy

Merton on Bureaucracy  “A formal, rationally organized social structure [with] clearly defined patterns of activity in which, ideally, every series of actions is functionally related to the purposes of the organization.”

Weber on Bureaucracy: An Ideal  lear-cut division of labor  Hierarchical delegation of power and responsibility  Rules and regulations  Impartiality  Employment based on technical qualifications  Distinction between public and private spheres

Reality of Bureaucracy  Built on Weber’s model Structure Structure OverseersOverseers SubordinatesSubordinates Adherence to unproductive ritual Adherence to unproductive ritual AlienationAlienation IncompetenceIncompetence IndifferenceIndifference

Michels on Iron Law of Oligarchy  Bureaucracy begins idealistically then evolves  Dominated by self-serving people Achieve powerAchieve power Corrupted by elite positionsCorrupted by elite positions Self-protective / self-servingSelf-protective / self-serving

Social Organization Social Institutions Social Organization

Social Institutions  Ordered social relationships, built on: Values Values Norms Norms Statuses Statuses Roles Roles  All fulfilling society’s needs

Social Organization  Relatively stable pattern of social relationships of individuals and groups in society, built on: Social roles Social roles Norms and shared meanings Norms and shared meanings  All providing regularity and predictability in interaction