Types of Social Interaction

Chapter 6; Section 3
 Cooperation
“How can we reach our goal?”
• A form of interaction in which individuals
or groups combine their efforts to reach
a goal
– Usually occurs when…
• Reaching a goal demands the best use of limited
resources and efforts
– Examples: survivors of a plane crash in the
mountains; victims of natural disasters

• Exists outside of emergencies as well

– Examples: rules for games; sharing household duties
 Conflict
• Groups or individuals that work against
one another for a larger share of the
rewards.
– Defeating the opponent is essential
• Social Benefits of Conflict:
– Promotes cooperation and unity within opposing
groups
» Example: A neighborhood bully can bring
together 2 brothers who usually don’t get along.
– Draws attention to social inequities
» Examples: Civil Rights activists in the 60s
convinced Congress to make laws to ensure
basic rights and freedoms to all people.
 Social Exchange
“What is in it for me?”
• A voluntary action performed in the
expectation of getting a reward in return
– Benefit to be earned rather than the
relationship itself that is key
• Example: You help a friend wash her car, she
then helps you study for a test
 Coercion
• Individuals or groups are forced to give
in to the will of other individuals or
groups
– One-way street; central element is
domination
• May occur through: physical force
(imprisonment, torture, or death)
– Example: Prisoners of war can be forced to reveal
information to enemies.
• More often through: social pressure (ridicule,
rejection, withdrawal of affection)
– Example: Parents can control behavior of young
children by threatening to withdraw privileges.
 Conformity
• Behavior that matches group expectations
– Adapt behavior to fit behavior of those around
us
• Necessary for culture and social structure
– Church
– Family
– University
– Government
 Group Think
• Self-deceptive thinking that is based on
conformity to group beliefs, and created
by group pressure to conform
– Discourages members from expressing
their concerns about group decisions
» Examples: JFK’s Bay of Pigs Invasion, Personal
examples???
 Pop Quiz Time
each answer will be used only 1 time

a. Cooperation b. Conflict c. Social

Exchange
d. Coercion e. Conformity
• 1. Blood donors expect payment
• 2. Students read what a teacher assigns
• 3. Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait
• 4. Flood victims help each other
• 5. Employees are forced to work
overtime or be fired