How Groups Can Influence People in Negative and Positive Ways Essay

How multitudes ordure influence commonwealth in contradict and in positive ways. By definition a base is a number of people who atomic number 18 regarded as a unit. They atomic number 18 united by a divided interest or belief, be that religion, sport, or politics. All groups puddle their exact got indistinguishability, we as people have multiple ones. From a friendly perspective, an single is often delimitated by who they ar and what they do a parent, a child or a friend, and by what line of work or study they are in.Cultural identity is defined by ethnicity, and group identity comes from having a sensation of starting, having a them and us mentality. This bear witness will look at how different powers and identities bum influence loving behaviour when expireing to a group, both in a negative and a positive way. Tajfel and Turner (1979, cited in spoors et al. , 2011) developed the social identity theory, a theory that describes how belonging to a group pass wat ers a substantive split in the someone group instalments self-concept. Having a we rather than an I concept.They suggest in that respect are three mark stages to joining a group. The first being social categorisation this is for the individual to be given a label Christian, gay, snob, Geordie, disabled are a few casefuls. The next stage is social identification where the individual takes on the groups characteristics and becomes defined by the groups behaviour. The last-place stage is social comparison members of a group view it from a positive point of view, often forming an elevated opinion of the group they belong to.People can take on defined roles when involved in group activity influence on these roles can be from observant new(prenominal) members of the groups behaviour, or a personal office of the defining role. Zimbardo (1971, cited in spoors et al. , 2011) conducted an experiment to determine how roles within a group can influence peoples behaviour. During the ex periment participants were given a guard or a prisoner role. The experiment ended untimely as participants took their roles to extremes, guards became increasingly aggressive, and prisoners became withdrawn and emotionally distressed.This could be an example of how peoples expectations of a role they have no experience in can influence behaviour. They may have been influenced by other members actions, or by a stereotypical character visualised by the media, leadinging them to have behaved negatively and out of character. Kondo (1990 cited in spoors et al. , 2011) is a Japanese/American student. In her personal account of financial backing in Japan, she writes how she finds the roles and expectations of her by the Japanese family she is staying with became quite challenging and disturbing.She felt her avouch identity was slowly being replaced with the obligation to act appropriately to whichever role she was playing, be it guest, daughter, student or a Japanese woman. During a t raditionalistic tea ceremony Kondo received high praise from her Japanese t each(prenominal)er for her performance. She states she was inordinately pleased by the praise but did feel she had to drop before she changed completely, this shows both negative and positives to social residency. Kondo feeling pressured into conforming to distinguish standards and rules can also apply to some group behaviour.In 1997 the enlightenments gate cult lost thirty nine members to jam suicide. They believed their souls would be transferred to a spaceship. These members may have become too open on the group, maybe so fearful of their leaders to not go ahead, or the adept of belonging and comfort they felt being part of the group they had such conviction in their beliefs they carried the suicide through. This is group conformity to the extreme, and in this case had a negative outcome, but some form of conformity is necessary in society so it can be a benefit to the majority.Belonging to a group can lead to an in-group out-group culture. With groups being defined and identified by their roles, beliefs and behaviour, comparisons are often do between one groups identity and others, be it sports teams, gangs, social groups, religion, or different cultures. Having an inflated opinion of the individuals group can push them to view any other group as inferior this can lead to competition and conflict between groups. A good example of a them and us site is the robbers cave experiment conducted by Sherif (1961 cited in spoors et al. 2011) A group of boys staying at summer camp were split into 2 groups, and a tournament was set up. The good sportsmanship of the group quickly false into aggression and prejudice. Although once given tasks where the two groups had to work together, they boys worked positively and cooperated with each other. In-group traits can occur even where there is no history of occasion between the groups involved. Taifel (1971 cited in spoors et al. , 2011) conducted an experiment where a virtual group situation was set up.Participants were given a task believing they were part of a group, but were in fact working as an individual. In-group favouritism was hush present. Loyalty and cooperation is a positive outcome for the in-group mentality, but it has its negative traits in the hostility and aggression it can provoke towards the out-group. Emotional values are given to the individual depending on the behaviour of the group anti-social behaviour would define them in a negative way, just as being seen to belong to a good kind or charitable group would have a positive emotional effect on the individual. To conclude, evidence shows there are many positives to belonging to a group. The individual gains a sense of identity, both within the group and in society. Self-esteem, self-worth and sense of belonging are increased. Close bonds are formed with others who share similar characteristics. Having an elevated sense of status within the g roup can lead to positive behaviour. self-assurance is increased due to a feeling of safety. Support, praise and encouragement from other group members have a positive impact on behaviour. there are also many negative aspects to group behaviour, members may be influenced to behave out of character from their usual identity through irresponsible methods within the group dynamic, in some cases separating the group entirely from authoritative behaviour within society. Prejudice, violence and discrimination can also be a result of the us and them situation. The heavens gate example could be viewed as both positive and negative, depending on the perspective, the group members and society would have conflicting views.