The notion of the group is central to comprehending how individuals interact. Social groups and organizations exist virtually in every aspect of the modern man. However, a social group can only be identified when individuals pursue and demonstrate a degree of social cohesion. A group must have two or more individuals interacting with some frequency while sharing a common identity (Black, 2019). Groups and deviance are the fundamentals of an ideal society. There exist different types of groups with distinct characteristics that surround their formation.
Key Components
Different Types of Groups
Groups can broadly be divided into two categories, which are primary groups and secondary groups. Sociologist Cooley notes that primary groups are usually the immediate groups influencing individuals’ daily lives. The small size of a group enables individuals to engage face-to-face to satisfy their emotional needs. In contrast, secondary groups are larger and are formed on the basis to complete certain tasks within a specified time (Tajfel, 2019). Another categorization of groups is based on a sense of belonging. In-groups are those that an individual will feel a sense of belonging and having a belief that they are an integral part of their being. Out-groups, on the other hand, are those, which an individual feels they do not belong. A reference group is the one usually used as a measure for self-appraisal (Kent, & McGrath, 2017).
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Main Characteristics of Groups
A cohesive group will have a distinct characteristic as a form of creating a boundary. Also, a group must exhibit purpose, where members can share what to accomplish. The group’s specific goals and objectives result in the division of tasks among the members. Sharing the roles involves assigning specific tasks to members to fulfill their responsibilities willingly in order to attain group success (Stangor, 2014). Groups are also set up in a manner that governs behavior. Therefore, members must adjust accordingly. Members of the group should also exhibit commitment. In other words, they must demonstrate cohesiveness.
How a Group Fits the Needs of Society and Individuals
A group may fit the needs of an individual or society when it is considered to meet the “entitativity” aspect of it. In this sense, individuals in a group must feel a sense of togetherness to attain their sense of collective self-esteem to face tasks ahead of them. Groups help individuals to fulfill their psychological needs (Testé, 2018). The entitativity nature in out-groups influences the antisocial and prosocial behavior in individuals. Therefore, individuals and society will feel part of the group when they feel they have something in common.
Deviance
Individuals are termed deviant if they choose to do actions, which the social majority does not favor (Heckert, & Heckert, 2004). The social context of deviance arises when an individual chooses to violate the informal cultural norms or the formally enacted rules of a society or group
The Influence of Deviance on Society
Deviance forms the basis of boundaries that society uses to predicate acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Under this system, members of a society or group can create norms and tell other members to behave according to such regulations. Consequently, this can lead to the creation of boundaries between different populations, which results in an “us-vs-them” mentality (Stangor, 2014). Deviance allows a group of the majority associated with the same worldview to view the rest as deviant. However, such instances result in stigmatization as the deviant groups take pride in ownership of their stigmatized groups.
Theory
How Merton’s Five-Part Typology of Deviance Fits within an Ideal Society.
Merton’s Strain Theory highlights the gap that exists between the goals to achieve and the limited legitimate opportunities to achieve them, which he refers to as “strain.” As a result, some individuals will turn to crime to achieve the minimal opportunities available to attain normal success goals in society. Merton also highlights a system of imbalance between the cultural goals of the society and the institutionalized means to attain them (Testé, 2018). The strain between attaining individuals’ goal and their status will lead to adaptation in several ways. For instance, individuals choosing to engage in crimes may do so to compensate for society’s pressure of attaining material success.
Merton’s Five-Part Typology of Deviance and Stigma
Individuals feel stigmatized when their social characteristics are thought to be different from the majority members of society. According to Merton, the inequality and division of society only promote goals that only a few individuals can realistically achieve.
People
How Different Types of Groups Impact on People
Individuals conform in groups to gain the acceptance of their members. The conformity results in cooperation where individuals of the group attempt to achieve a particular shared objective. Additionally, individuals develop group thinking in the sense that they share agreed views and courses of action to achieve goals.
Individual Contribution on an In-Group
Members of an in-group create boundaries between themselves and other groups. They usually use titles, symbols, and sometimes dress uniquely to distinguish themselves from out-groups. Additionally, the members unite in a manner that keeps the in-group strong enough to clash or compete with other groups. Developing positive stereotypes helps to engage and keep the in-group intact.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Belonging
The human basic need and desire to be in a group is because individuals are social beings and by nature, they need to be associated with others for survival. The sense of belonging ensures that individuals organize themselves to bolster their mental and physical health. People conform in groups to associate with those pursuing similar objectives so that they can corporate and work towards a specific goal. This is achieved through a clear division of tasks and roles depending on the setups of the groups.
How Groups Control Individuals
Groups influence individuals through group thinking, whereby members of the group align their thinking to attain a specific target. A group also influences an individual to align his consciousness and thinking to align with what the group is doing. Groups create group shifts where initial member positions are changed to accommodate the new positions to achieve target goals (Tajfel, 2019). However, group members can usually be influenced either positively or negatively.
What Occurs When People Are Not Part of a Group
People not part of a group may be considered to be in out-groups. The implication is that competing groups will be formed to clash with others.
Why People Consider Deviance a Mental Illness
Deviance and mental illness are always associated together. Consequently, mental-ill persons are considered deviant. Indeed, madness, lunacy, and other psychiatric disorders are stigmatized due to the public’s perception to categorize them as dangerous and a threat to society, hence the term deviant.
Conclusion
The formation of groups in society is based on the aspects of loyalty and conformity. In this regard, members conform to group thinking and norms that encourage their innovation. However, other individuals may challenge the status quo of the groups, hence, termed as deviant. Deviance results in the creation of boundaries between different sets of populations and increased conflict over the rights of resources. Merton’s five-part typology of deviance helps explain the occurrence of stigma in society.
References
Black, D. (2019). Crime as social control. American sociological review , 34-45.
Heckert, A., & Heckert, D. M. (2004). Using an integrated typology of deviance to expand Merton's anomie theory. Criminal Justice Studies , 17 (1), 75-90.
Kent, R. N., & McGrath, J. E. (2017). Task and group characteristics as factors influencing group performance. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology , 5 (4), 429-440.
Stangor, D. (2014). Understanding Social Groups. Bccampus . Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/socialpsychology/chapter/understanding-social-groups/
Tajfel, H. (2019). Social stereotypes and social groups.
Testé, B. (2018). Conformity and deviance. A sociocognitive approach to social norms , 17-37.
