sociology milestone 3
Mini -lectures
Primary vs Secondary Groups
A social group is when two or more people who INTERACT and IDENTIFY with each other.
There are 2 types of social groups:
1) Primary - these are groups like family and friends who share intimacy, have face-to-face knowledge, tend to be small in size (under 10) and the members have emotional reasons for membership
2) Secondary - these are larger groups that are more impersonal and members do not necessarily recognize each other. Members have an instrumental reason for membership. Examples are work and school.
What is Deviance?
The simple definition of deviance is the breaking of a social norm, rule or law.
But there are different DEGREES of deviance that sociologists look at. Depending on how many people are involved in the behavior and how serious the perceived harm is; we have very different reactions to different deviant acts (social control).
Not all deviant acts are created equal. Picking your nose and eating it is not the same as raping or murdering someone.
Sociologists identify a CONTINUUM of deviant behavior - from the least serious to the most
1) Social Diversions - are fadish behaviors that may differ a little from the norm. Like odd clothing choices or living in a polyamorous relationship. It is not seen as serious and there is no real sanction
2) Social Deviations - are behaviors that seen as more deviant and may have only recently been decriminalized. Examples are marijuana use and homosexual marriage
3) Conflict Crimes - are behaviors that are against the law, but there is conflict and debate in society on whether they should be. Examples are marijuana use, other drugs and some juvenile delinquency
4) Consensus Crimes - are seriously harmful behaviors that the majority of society agrees are wrong and should be punished like rape and murder
It is important to note that there is often movement along the continuum. Deviance is not a set objective category. For example, at one time drinking and driving was only a social diversion whereas it is now more of a consensus crime.
Applying Theories - Groups & Organizations
1) Structural Functionalism "WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?"
This perspective would look at the functionality of organizing into small groups and large organizations. All of these groups serve a purpose for the the whole. We need friends, families, volunteer service groups, capitalist businesses, health care, education and other government groups for our society to continue to work/function. We organize to serve a purpose
2) Social Conflict Theory "WHERE IS THERE INEQUALITY?"
This perspective would look at the different power position of different groups. Does the church have power? Does the captialist business have more power than a non profit? How do these different groups wield their power; both within the members and outside within the society? Also how does membership in certain group give more or less power to an individual? Are there certain groups who vet or deny membership? Can membership in a group give you influence outside of that group?
3) Symbolic Interactionism "HOW DO PEOPLE EXPERIENCE/INTERACT/NEGOTIATE?"
This perspective would look at the relationships within groups, expecially small social groups. How does group size effect intimacy and potentially change group dynamics? Also how do people conform to the group perspective when they are a member - as shown in the Milgram and Zimbardo experiments.
