GROUP INTERACTION AND SOCIAL PROCESSES

The Concept of Group InteractionAccording to Sociologist, group interaction is

the process of defining and responding to various actions and relations of individuals in social situations.

Strauss(1968)defines social interaction as the way persons or

groups act or communicate with one another.Zulueta(2002)

It takes place in social, politics and economic institutions and social structures which give impetus to social relationship. 

Classifications of Social InteractionStructural Interaction

The nature of interaction is based on the established structure of the organization.

Cultural InteractionThey share common beliefs, ideas and

similar patterns of behavior and employ some strategies accepted by their own culture in solving problems confronting them.

Religious InteractionSocial innovations and changes will be

effective properly through religious organizations.

The Concept of Social Processes Social processes refers to any mutual

interaction experienced by an individual or a group on each other in their attempt to solve problems and to achieve their desired goals.

Horton & Hunt (1968)Social processes consists of repetitive forms

of behavior which are commonly found in social life.

Cole(1968)It also refers to a consistent pattern of social

interaction which can be identified in the society.  

Classification of Social ProcessesSocial processes are classified into two:

1. Conjunctive Social Processes refers to a group’s effort to maintain and practice consensus,

cooperation, unification, and integration in the group.

2. Disjunctive Social Processes refers to a process where the members’ efforts are

directed towards disunity, disintegration, opposition and

disorganization.5 MAJOR CONJUNCTIVE SOCIAL PROCESSES  Cooperation

- sharing the responsibility or the act of working together in order to achieve a common goal or vision. - It is a social process where people work together to achieve a group’s common objectives and share some benefits from it.

- Cooperaration can be classified into three major types:

Informal Cooperation- This is a spontaneous give - and - take relationship. It is commonly known in primary groups or in Gemeinschaft societies.

Example:(0)-Boholanos (dayong cooperation in times of

death and gala during wedding ceremonies)(0)-Bayanihan(0)-Suki

Formal Cooperation - This type sets formal goals and objectives in social interaction      

Symbiotic Cooperation- type of cooperation where one or two members of society live together harmoniously and support one another for mutual interest.- Cooperation has several functions:

i. It creates social cohesion and integration among the members of the group.

ii. It contributes to social stability and order.iii. It posters consensus and compromise in various

social, economic and political issues. Accommodation

- adjustment of hostile individuals or groups- process of establishing temporary agreements,

compromises or negotiations among group members to be able to work for a particular period of time without friction.        

– actual act of working  together among individuals or groups in spite of differences or latent hostility.

DIFFERENT FORMS OF ACCOMMODATION Displacement - a process of ending a conflict using

a scapegoat Conflict - occurs between persons or groups with

unequal status. Superordination - Subordination - works only when

it is impossible for one group to continue aggression against the more powerful group.

Compromise - a form of accommodation where extreme demands are given up to achieve limited goals.

Release from hostility Toleration  

Assimilation – the process of interpenetration and fusion in which

persons and groups acquire the memories, sentiments and attitudes of other persons or groups

– reduces social conflict

Amalgamation– biological interbreeding of two peoples of distinct

physical appearance until became one stock (Horton & Hunt, 1984)   

Acculturation– a process and effect of significant changes

through mutual borrowings and adoptations by people or different cultures in contract w/ some continuity (Reynolds,1971)

– process of acquiring the culture of another ethnic group (Shibutani & Kwan,1965)