group power. social structure framework transformation of social structure means changes in the...
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Group Power
Social Structure Framework
Transformation of social structure means
changes in the division of labor (e.g., how tasks are divided) * “Hunting and Gathering” to
“Postindustrial” * Plow to the Steam Engine to the Micro-
chip
Transformation of social structure also means Changes in solidarity (social cohesion)
Mechanical (Pre-industrial/minimal division of labor)
to Organic
(very specialized division of labor) * Changes in types and nature of inequality
* Changes in social relationships Gemeinschaft (traditional) Gesellschaft (complex)
Gemeinschaft Societies
A Gemeinschaft society would be made up of the various family trees and how they are related to one another.
Gesellschaft Societies
A Gesellschaft society would be made up of clumps of trees, each has a specialized relationship and may not be committed to the others.
The Effect of Social Structure on the formation of our selves is very powerful
We can’t see it but we can observe the social action that it produces
Dyad Triad Reference group In-group Out-group
What Constitutes a group
Primary…. Examples……
Family, close friends, school or work-related peer groups
Secondary….
Schools, churches, corporations
Asch’s experiment
33% routinely conformed 40% conformed ½ the time 25% “stuck to their guns”
Group cohesion and group size effect whether we conform to group pressure
Groups can create – in-group/out-group We perceive people in our out-groups
negatively regardless of their actual characteristics.
Group Think - Assures
Conformity
But also Creates fear
Group Think “living in a bubble”
Illusion of invulnerability. Falsely negative impression of those who are
antagonists to the group’s plans. Discouragement of dissenting opinion. Illusion of unanimity. Can lead to “Risky Shift” phenomenon = A willingness to engage in extreme behavior if
condoned.
Milgrim’s Experiment
“Teachers” 65% did what were told in the
laboratory setting and went to 450 volts
Perceived authority “white lab coats”
Obedience to authority more common than we want to admit
We transform from independent thinkers to “agents of the state”
John Pryor’s experiment
“Trainers” Led to believe that sexual harassment was
condoned 90% took full advantage and engaged in
the behavior when encouraged Reference groups affect our behavior,
imposing social control
Leadership Power
Authoritarian Democratic Laissez-Faire
Instrumental and Expressive Functions