Reference no: EM132510127

Observation of a Social Group

For this paper, you are to observe a social group of which you are a member. You do not have to do any research for this paper. This paper is worth 20 percent of your grade. This paper MUST be typewritten and be between 2-3 pages. Answer all of the following questions in your paper.

1. Define a social group and discuss how it differs from an aggregate. Identify the social group that you are observing. If it is a workplace, tell me the name of the company and what it does. State the number of people in the group, age range, and if it is a large company, what department you work in.

2. Define the difference between a primary group and a secondary group. To what extent does your group resemble a primary group and/or to what extent does it resemble a secondary group? Explain why, citing specific characteristics of each type of group.

3. Define the concept of status as given by me in lecture. List all the statuses, either formal or informal, that people occupy because of membership in your group. You do not have to mention every status that people have. Are the statuses achieved or ascribed? Is it possible to change one's status in the group? If yes, how?

4. Define the concept of role as given by me in lecture. Apply it to the statuses in your group. You should mention every norm that applies to each status. (DO NOT DESCRIBE THE PERSONALITY OF THE PEOPLE IN YOUR GROUP).

5. When norms are violated or disobeyed there are usually sanctions or punishments. What kinds of sanctions does your have group when norms are disobeyed?

6. Define the concept of role strain. Give one example of role strain experienced by a member of your group. (ROLE STRAIN IS NOT BETWEEN PEOPLE).

7. Define the concept of role conflict. Give one example of a role conflict experienced by a member of your group. Role conflict can be between a status held in the group and one held outside of the group you are discussing. (ROLE CONFLICT IS NOT BETWEEN PEOPLE).