In groups and Out groups

• Definitions

• Positive functions:

  • encourage cohesion
  • clarify membership, establish identity

• Problems

  • can promote classism, racism, sexism, ageism

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A reference group serves as a point of reference that people use when making decisions.

An in group is a group to which members feel esteem loyalty and a sense of belonging. An outgroup is a group towards a person feels competition or opposition. Powerful groups can define marginalized groups as deviant or disreputable.

A dyad has two members, a triad three. The sociologist George Simmel studied small group dynamics. Your text discusses the relative stability of dyads and triads.

Networks are important in the establishment of career tracks. Please read the section on p. 170 carefully. Also take note of how the text's author explains that email has flattened communications hierarchies (p. 176.)

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