Week 5 Social Groups Flashcards
(36 cards)
What are social networks?
Social networks are the connections and relationships between individuals or groups.
What are social groups?
Social groups are collections of individuals who interact and share a sense of belonging.
What are primary groups?
Primary groups are small, close-knit groups characterized by intimate, face-to-face interactions (e.g., family, close friends).
Why did the Wehrmacht continue to fight?
According to Dexter Dunphy, the Wehrmacht continued to fight due to group loyalty and the social dynamics within the military.
What explains the Jonestown tragedy?
Charles Lindholm explains the Jonestown tragedy as a result of social influence and group dynamics leading to extreme behavior.
What are secondary groups?
Secondary groups are larger, more impersonal groups that are task-oriented (e.g., coworkers, classmates).
What is conformity?
Conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms.
What is majority influence?
Solomon Asch describes majority influence as the tendency for individuals to conform to the opinions of a larger group.
What is normative social influence?
Normative social influence occurs when individuals conform to be accepted or liked by others.
What are reference groups?
Reference groups are groups that individuals compare themselves to for self-evaluation.
What are organizations?
Organizations are structured groups of people working together to achieve specific goals.
What are the characteristics of bureaucracies?
Bureaucracies are characterized by hierarchical structure, clear rules, and division of labor.
What is the iron law of oligarchy?
Robert Michels’ iron law of oligarchy states that all organizations eventually become dominated by a small group of leaders.
What is obedience?
Obedience is the act of following orders or directives from an authority figure.
What did the Milgram Experiment demonstrate?
The Milgram Experiment demonstrated that individuals are likely to obey authority figures, even when asked to perform unethical actions.
What are in-groups and out-groups?
In-Groups: Groups to which individuals feel they belong.
Out-Groups: Groups that individuals do not identify with.
What is an opposition of interest?
An opposition of interest refers to conflicting goals or values between different groups.
What is ethnocentrism?
Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.
What are the effects of social categorization?
According to Henri Taifel, social categorization can lead to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination.
What is the sociological imagination?
The sociological imagination is a unique quality of mind that helps individuals understand the larger historical scene.
Why is the sociological imagination important?
This quality of mind enhances problem-solving potential and allows individuals to see beyond personal troubles to public issues.
What is an example of unemployment as a public issue?
High unemployment rates reflect deeper structural issues, such as the Great Recession’s 10% unemployment rate in 2009, which cannot be attributed to individual traits but to institutional failures.
What is an example of divorce rates as a public issue?
A 40% divorce rate in first marriages requires analysis of cultural and institutional factors like family law and financial autonomy.
What are modern theoretical approaches in sociology?
Theoretical approaches, also known as perspectives or paradigms, are essential for developing a sociological imagination.
