CHAPTER 4:Social Structure

Section 2: Types of Social Interaction

ExchangeHappens whenever an interaction between

people occursReciprocity Getting something in return when you give

somethingLeads to the “Exchange Theory”People interact with each other in order to get

somethingEver stop trying to be friends with someone who

didn’t try back?

Types of interactionCompetitionWhen more than 1 person tries to get

something that only 1 can have.Viewed as mostly positive in western society.ConflictDefeating an opponent with the use of some

kind of force.Cooperation

People working together to accomplish something

AccommodationGive and takeState of balance between cooperation and

conflict4 types

CompromiseTruceMediationArbitration

Contrasting Societies Durkheim maintained that preindustrial

societies are held together by mechanical solidarity. People share same values

Organic solidarity Impersonal social relationships

Ferdinand TonniesGemeinschaft German for ‘community’ most members know each other close, personal relationships similar to mechanical solidarityGesellschaft German for ‘society’ relationships are needs based impersonal and temporary similar to organic solidarity

The structure of Groups and Societies (Section 4)

What is a group?1. must be at least 2 people2. must be some kind of interaction3. set of shared expectations4. some sense of common identity

What if one or more of the qualifications are missing?

You have an aggregate.

The structure of Groups and Societies (continued)

How do Sociologists group people?By putting them into “social categories”They do this by asking three basic

questions:1. How often does the group meet?2. Is it a formal or informal group?3. How large is the group?

A 2 person group is a dyadA 3 person group is a triadA ‘small group’ is made up of 4 to

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Typical Groups Within a Society

Primary GroupsSmall group with long-term, intimate and informal relationships

Secondary GroupsLarge groups with formal, impersonal and short-term relationships

Reference GroupsA group that a person identifies with and adopts the values ofImportant because of effects on behavior

Typical Groups Within a Society (continued)

IngroupThe group which a person identifies most

OutgroupThe group which a person does not identify with

E-CommunitiesPeople interact onlineFacebook, MySpace, etc…

The Structure of Formal Organizations (Section 5)

Max Weber’s Model of Beauracracies:

Division of LaborRanking of AuthorityFormal QualificationsRules and regulationsFormal lines of

promotion

The Structure of Formal Organizations (continued)

Criticisms of BureaucraciesThey become self-perpetuating“The Peter Principle”

Employees are promoted to their level of incompetence.

Red TapeResult in oligarchies“Parkinson’s Law”

work expands to fill time available

Comparing American and Japanese workers

AMERICAN JAPANESE

Average of 3 years at a job

Expect quick promotionsOffice workers specializeFormal written rulesMost decisions are made

at upper levelsAmericans like to ‘pass

the buck’Little corporate care for

workers

Guaranteed lifetime jobPromotions/evaluations

may take up to 10 yearsOffice workers do not

specialize“Corporate Culture”Decisions can involve 80

peopleWorkers share collectively

in blame/successLike extended families