PSYC 3430 Chapter 1: PSYC 3430 Chapter 1
Document Summary
Often are influential/purposeful brings us together (ex. last name = important, identifies who you are). Groups are beneficial but also flawed, can be psychologically fulfilling/satisfying: categorization: individuals perceive themselves as part of the same social category, or psychologically believe they are part of the same group. Interdependence and influence on one another: shared identity or tasks/goals, structure: a social unit that has a number of individuals with definite roles/statuses to one another and a set of norms that matters to the group. Groups do have perceived and actual boundaries, but sometimes appears fuzzy. Charles cooley primary groups: small intimate clusters of family/friends, long-term, frequent interaction, highly interdependent and influence one another a lot fundamental in forming the social nature and ideals of the individual. High levels of cohesiveness, solidarity, member identification, and face to face interaction. Secondary/social groups: larger, more formally organized, shorter in duration, (teams, coworkers, etc), often more goal-focused.