Introduction
Society is structured into groups where people belong, depending on various factors. Some groups are based on people’s shared interests, while others are based on people’s shared identities. This essay analyses the meaning of a group, its defining characteristics, and its importance to individuals in society. It also includes a discussion on defiance, Merton’s five-part typology, and how people benefit from belonging to groups.
A group is a collection of people interacting with each other and sharing a common identity. Examples are family, workplace associations, peers, book clubs, and religious and political party groups. The main characteristics of a group are its size, composition, structure, and purpose. The group meets the needs of society and individuals by providing a way for people to come together for a common purpose. It can also allow a sense of belonging for its members and a way for them to interact, engaging their psychological needs. Additionally, the group can help meet society’s needs by providing a way for people to come together to achieve a common goal.
Deviance
Deviance is any behavior or activity that violates social norms. One way deviance can contribute to society is by providing a way for people to challenge existing norms. When people violate standards, it can force others to re-evaluate those norms and decide whether they still hold true. Additionally, deviance can help to create new norms that become part of a community’s culture (Fried & Langer, 2020). For example, when a new fashion trend emerges, it may start as deviant behavior. However, it can become the new norm if enough people adopt the trend.
Theory
Merton’s five-part typology of deviance includes conformity, innovation, ritualism, retreatism, and rebellion. In an ideal society, all five types of deviance would be present to some extent, as they all contribute in different ways to the functioning of society. Conformity refers to behavior that conforms to social norms. It is the most common type of deviance, and it is valid for the functioning of society. Innovation refers to conduct that violates standards to achieve a goal. It is crucial for an organization as it can lead to new and improved ways of doing things. Additionally, ritualism refers to behavior that conforms to norms but lacks passion or creativity for stability. Retreatism is behavior that withdraws from standards and goals (Fried & Langer, 2020). It allows for a way for people to cope with difficult situations. Rebellion refers to behavior that is intended to replace existing norms with new ones. It is vital for society as it allows for progress.
The theory of deviance can help to explain stigmas in two ways. First, deviance can lead to social exclusion, as people who violate norms may be ostracised from the group. This can create a stigma around deviant behavior, as it is seen as something that should be hidden or ashamed. Additionally, the theory of deviance can help to explain why some people are more likely to be stigmatized than others (Fried & Langer, 2020). For example, people who belong to minority groups or have a history of deviant behavior may be more stigmatized than those who do not.
People
The different types of groups can impact people in unique ways. Primary groups are small and intimate, and their members share close personal relationships. This can affect people by providing a sense of belonging and a support system. Secondary groups are larger and more impersonal, and their members have fewer close relationships, allowing people to interact with others and achieve common goals (Huoy, 2022). Formal groups are created for specific purposes, such as work or school, and their members interact with each other primarily for that purpose. Reference groups are groups that people use as a point of comparison for themselves, either in terms of how they want to be seen or in terms of how they actually see themselves. People find standards to compare themselves to and define their identity through reference groups.
People who are part of an in-group feel a sense of belonging and a sense of identity. They may also feel obligated to contribute to the group in some way. This could involve helping to achieve the group’s goals, participating in group activities, or simply interacting with other members in a positive way. The benefits of belonging to a group include a sense of identity, a sense of belonging, and a sense of purpose. People conform to groups by bending to their norms and values, or they may conform to the group’s expectations in terms of behavior. Additionally, people may conform to the group to gain acceptance or avoid rejection. The drawbacks of belonging to a group are a loss of individual identity, pressure to fit in, and a sense of exclusion from other groups.
Groups can control individuals by setting norms and expectations for behavior. People who are not part of a group may feel lost, confused, isolated, and alone. People may term deviance a mental disorder because people who engage in deviant behavior may be seen as being out of touch with reality or unable to control their impulses. Deviant behavior can include everything from minor infractions such as littering or jaywalking to major crimes such as murder or rape.
Conclusion
Groups are important for society and individuals as they provide a sense of belonging and a way to interact. They provide a way for people to come together and share common interests. Failure to fit into the groups in society can lead to dissatisfaction in many life aspects, including getting depressed and turning to aggressive behavior. People can question societal norms through deviance, reaching meaningful conclusions about them.
References
Fried, A., & Langer, S. (2020). Typology of organizational deviance from standards. Understanding Deviance in a World of Standards, 241–255. Web.
Huoy, R. (2022). Group behavior in Social Environment interaction includes classification and factors. Journal of Asian Multicultural Research for Social Sciences Study, 3(2), 1–7. Web.
Karababa Kayalıgil, P. (2019). Introduction to sociology-5: Individual and society. Web.