2 Membership, Norms, and Roles Free Online FlashCards

How do formal and informal group membership differ?

Formal membership has defined entry rules or recognized positions; informal membership grows through repeated interaction and a sense of belonging.

How do primary and secondary groups differ?

Primary groups are intimate and long-lasting; secondary groups are more task-focused and impersonal.

What is a reference group?

A reference group is one a person belongs to or compares themselves with, using it as a guide for behavior and self-evaluation.

What distinguishes an in-group from an out-group?

An in-group is experienced as “us,” while an out-group is seen as “them.” These boundaries can create solidarity but also exclude people.

What are group norms?

Norms are shared expectations that guide behavior within a group.

How can groups reinforce norms?

Groups reinforce norms through approval, criticism, rewards, or exclusion. Norms can make behavior predictable and help coordinate group activity.

Are group norms always fair or beneficial?

Norms are not always fair or beneficial: they can support cooperation, but may also discourage useful criticism. Members can challenge or revise them.

How do status and role differ?

Status is a recognized social position; a role is the behavior expected of someone occupying that position.

How do ascribed and achieved statuses differ?

An ascribed status is assigned or given rather than chosen; an achieved status is gained through action or accomplishment.

What is role differentiation?

Role differentiation is the process by which group members take on different responsibilities, such as task-focused or relationship-supporting roles.

What is role strain?

Role strain occurs when demands within one role are difficult to meet, such as a coordinator being expected to manage every detail.

What is role conflict?

Role conflict occurs when expectations from different roles clash, such as a work deadline conflicting with a family responsibility.