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