1. How do we interact with other people?
We all play roles and interact with others
5 Forms of Social Interaction:
Exchange
Competition
Conflict
Cooperation
Accommodation

2. Exchange Theory
People interact in order to receive rewards (material/nonmaterial) or a return for their actions
Reciprocity is the basis of exchange theory
if you do something for someone, then that person owes you something in return
People are motivated by self-interest (analyze costs and benefits)

3. Competition
Two or more people or groups oppose each other to achieve a goal that only one can get
Important in capitalist societies
Positive if it follows expected rules of conduct
Negative for its psychological effects
Emphasis is on achieving the goal
Competition at any age:

4. Conflict http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWTMa76BzH0
Emphasis on defeating the opponent
Few rules of accepted conduct
Rules are often ignored
4 main causes of conflict
Wars, Disagreements within groups, legal disputes, and clashes over ideology
Conflict might be useful
Reinforces group boundaries
Strengthens group loyalty because of outside threat

5. Cooperation
Two or more people or groups work together to achieve a goal that will benefit more than one person
Often used together with other forms of interaction
Individuals in a team sport compete for a spot on the team

6. Accommodation A state of balance between cooperation and conflict
Helps ensure social stability
4 Forms of Accommodation:
Compromise: two parties at odds each give up something to come to an agreement
Truce: halt to conflict until compromise is reached
Mediation: calling a third party to act as adviser
Arbitration: third party makes a decision that is binding to the parties in conflict