Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- describe a group and the way that groups can be structured
- list the stages of group formation
- describe theories behind the ways in which we align ourselves
to certain groups, both consciously and unconsciously
- apply your understanding of how we balance ‘fitting in’ and
identifying as a true group member whilst also retaining
individuality
- describe the identified factors that hold a group together.
This will include exploring concepts such as interdependence and
conformity, along with others such as deindividuation and
‘groupthink’.
- discuss Yalom’s therapeutic factors and Bion’s basic
assumptions
- confidently describe in-group favouritism and out-group
discrimination
- explain stereotyping and its link to prejudice and
discrimination
- describe positive intergroup relations as well as negative
- describe distrust of the out-group and reference theories
underlying why this may be so, such as realistic conflict theory
and relative deprivation theory
- distinguish between intra- and intergroup conflict
- suggest informed ways to resolve conflict in and between
groups.
Module introduction
This module aims to help you understand the complex ways in
which we behave in groups. We are all members of a group of some
sort, whether it be our family, our colleagues, other members of
our faith, or just a collection of people with whom – for whatever
reason and for however brief a time – we align ourselves to. In
this module we will explore the reasons that groups come together
and are held together, and what can split them apart.
We will start by looking at what makes a group; the definition
of a group and the importance of its members: individual people who
have come together to make something that is more than the sum of
its parts.
We will then go on to look at how we operate within our groups,
as well as the relationship between groups (intergroup dynamics).
This leads us to our final learning section on 'intergroup
conflict', which explores the ways in which different groups can
clash with each other and why this occurs.
It is hoped that by the end of the module you will have learnt
about what draws us to groups, and some of the dynamics within, and
between groups. As Foulkes (the founder of group analysis)
identified, the individual is social through and through and can
never be completely without social or group ties (Foulkes, 1948).
The completion of this module may leave you contemplating the
groups you identify with, and perhaps able to make more sense of
some of the feelings or struggles you may have encountered as a
group member.
Learning notes
We recommend that you make some notes as you work
through this module.
The 'TrOn Notebook' facility can be accessed throughout the
module (allowing you to make notes on each page), and these notes
will be saved in your personal area 'My TrOn', for future
reference. However, you will not be able to print these notes as
one single document.
If you would prefer to make your notes in a separate document
you may wish to download the 'learning notes' below. This
downloadable Word document will allow you to keep a personalised
record of your learning, which you can then save and/or print for
future reference.
Download the
learning notes document for this module