Exploring group behavior, this content delves into how shared identity, goals, and values shape interactions within groups. It examines fundamental elements like shared purpose, norms, cohesion, and structure, and how these influence societal activities such as collective work, activism, and entertainment. Cultural dimensions and psychological theories like group polarization and conformity are also discussed, highlighting the effects on individual and societal levels.
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Group behavior refers to the patterns of interactions and responses that occur among individuals who perceive themselves as a collective
Ingroup favoritism
Within a group, individuals often experience ingroup favoritism, a preference for members of their own group over those in outgroups
Outgroup homogeneity effect
The outgroup homogeneity effect describes the tendency to view outgroup members as more alike than those in the ingroup, often leading to stereotyping
Shared purpose or mission
The first element of group behavior is the group's shared purpose or mission, which provides a common direction and sense of belonging
Norms
The second element of group behavior is norms, the implicit or explicit rules that govern behavior within the group
Cohesion
The third element of group behavior is cohesion, the strength of the relationships linking group members and their commitment to the group
Structure
The fourth element of group behavior is the group's structure, which includes roles, hierarchies, and communication patterns that organize interaction and decision-making within the group
Collective work, such as barn raisings or cooperative farming, relies on shared effort for mutual benefit
Activism, including protests and advocacy, is driven by a collective desire for social or political change
Nationalistic behavior unites individuals through shared national pride and can manifest in various patriotic displays
Group entertainment, such as attending sports events or concerts, creates a sense of community among participants with shared interests
Culture profoundly influences group behavior, providing a framework of shared beliefs, practices, and social norms
Cultural traditions and values are transmitted across generations, shaping group identity and cohesion
While culture can evolve, it can also impact group behavior in multifaceted ways, such as influencing economic decisions, educational policies, and social interactions
Group polarization occurs when group discussion leads to more extreme positions
Conformity refers to the tendency to align one's behavior with the group, as shown in Asch's conformity experiments
Groupthink is a phenomenon where the pursuit of unanimity overrides the motivation to appraise alternative courses of action, potentially leading to suboptimal decisions
The presence of others can significantly affect individual behavior, as shown in the bystander effect where individuals are less likely to take action in emergencies when others are present
Reciprocity norms within groups establish expectations of mutual assistance
Recognizing the influence of group behavior is vital for understanding how it can direct individual actions and affect broader societal dynamics
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______ behavior is influenced by shared identity, ______, and values within a collective of individuals.
Group
goals
01
Group's Shared Purpose
Common direction and sense of belonging for group members.
02
Group Norms
Implicit/explicit rules governing group member behavior.
