As social beings people have the fundamental requirement to linking with other individuals in some direct or indirect methods. Because of this need, people enter membership with other groups, which are outside the household group where they typically belong. However, personal distinctions produce the development or establishment of particular powers by some and the obedience or subordination by the others. Thus, the presence of dominant and subordinate groups becomes evident.
Dominance and subordination, in group dynamics are not measured quantitatively. It indicates that the bulk which is revealed in numbers does not always display dominance.
In the Pierce’ College discussion of groups, the author worried that dominance does not handle numerical bulk but primarily deals with real power and understanding of power in the society (Soc 1, February 01, 2007).
Dominance, according to the author is “determined by power, status and social worth as determined by the social standards and standards.” James Jackson has another view of determining dominance in groups. “Antipathies emerge from understanding of hazard,” states Jackson in an interview released in the Journal of the International Institute (Vol.
19, No. 1). Jackson talked about territorial dominance, wherein residents of a particular land or area tend to exert supremacy over strangers. Since complete strangers are thought about as potential threats, to exhibit supremacy over them ends up being a necessity.
Groups, may can be found in kinds of racial and ethnic groups, social, organisation, spiritual and political groups; each of which are bonded by resemblances of race, beliefs, views, ideologies, age and gender. Group membership is involuntary, that is, everybody is born into a group (L.
Kang).
When a child is born, he automatically becomes a member of a group called “family” where there exist to be dominant and subordinate individuals. In this established, the parents or either of them is dominant and their children or housemates as subordinates. Taking a look at this context, we can draw out the idea that dominance and subordination is really measured by the power worked out or shown by the members, which might be caused by the age, gender, and position or material possession.
In a broader context, dominant and subordinate groups are evident in the business and political set up and even in the society as a whole. In fact, the existence of dominant and subordinate groups is believed by sociologists to be the cause of prejudice and discrimination, especially on racial and ethnic issues. Kang, in his discussion stressed that racism, the belief that one race is supreme and all others are innately inferior, leads to the prejudice and discrimination of the subordinate groups in a society (p.08).
Regardless of race, dominant groups believe that subordinate groups lack the power, ability or skill and thus are deprived of handling major responsibilities and positions in the company, in political arena and even in sports. For example, managerial positions in a company are presumed to be better handled by males rather than females. The same gender discrimination exist in the political arena and in the military where are usually dominated by males.
Groups have different roles to play in the society. The human society is divided into three groups: alpha, beta and gamma (www.princeton.edu). The Alpha group is composed of the societal leaders whose primary responsibilities are defined by protection and defenses against threats. The followers in the groups are called the betas that were said to be willingly obeying their leaders and place high regard or respect to the alphas. The independent members of the society are referred to as the gammas. They are independent members in the sense that they are not leaders or followers. The process of grouping and the existence of dominant and subordinate groups are therefore normal in a society.
Every person in the group has specific role to play which define their behavior. Behaviors are also influenced by expectations of both the dominant members and the subordinate members, which they exhibit subconsciously (www.mapnp.org). According to the authors, people behave in accordance with what they perceive as impressive or appropriate in their given role and in a specific context. One example is a family set up where the father is deemed to be the dominant figure. The wife and their children as subordinates to the father will behave according the rules and regulations set by the father, either expressed or implied.
This way, the subordinates obey or conform to such rules as what seem to be appropriate. When these children become members of other groups, such us peer group, or became a part of school or work group, the behaviors they are used to at home may still be reflected in their interaction with these new group. Because culture, race and religion significantly influence the behavior and outlook of individuals, a group is possible to have a diversity of culture especially at work and in school.
Family members who were trained to be submissive or respectful to authorities will likely to behave the same way in another group, and thus become a member of the subordinate group. In a society where strangers (those members of a different race) are considered as threats to the powers and authority or position of the original occupants or holder of a position will likely exhibit dominance as their way of defense and protection of the position and authority they hold.
As with gender, there are cultures where males are believed to be biologically dominant over females, as with Western culture and the Islamic community. But there are also communities where females are the dominant figures which include some of the ethnic tribes of Africa and other Asian countries. In the religious community, there are religions which do not allow the leadership of females. The Roman Catholic Church only allows priests to conduct the Liturgical Mass; the same leadership set up is true with Islam.
However, there are Christian sects that designate females in such equivalent positions. In the business world, managerial positions are longer exclusive for males. What this paper is trying to point out is that dominance and subordination are inevitable part of groups. Therefore, it is important for mangers and other professionals to understand the factors that influence the behaviors of every group member. This is especially important to ensure that systems to be applied to them, for example in managing an organization, will be effectively and efficiently be implemented without prejudice or discrimination.
With power and authority being exercised by the dominant groups for leadership and protection, the existence of the two groups is therefore needed in order for a society to run effectively and efficiently. In example, a company or a tribe needs to have leaders to direct and control their members and subordinates. The presence of the subordinate group is needed in order to have hands to do the jobs or tasks needed to run the company, which is impossible if all members of the group are leaders (dominant group).
The concept of dominant and subordinate groups is needed by professionals in understanding human behaviors in a group. “The ubiquitousness of groups and the inevitability of being in them make groups one of the most important factors in our lives” (P. Gondim).
Professionals need to analyze the factors that affect the behaviors of both the dominant and subordinate groups in creating measures of ensuring a healthy environment for all its members. For example, internal and external communications set up can be more effective if the responsibilities and authorities of both dominant and subordinate group members are clearly defined. Since the existence of dominant and subordinate groups is vital and inevitable, the manager or leader’s responsibility is to effectively and efficiently manage them.
“It means that dealing with groups does not only involve acknowledging the group behavior as a unit, but also identifying each individual’s response to that group behavior which is important in counseling,” says Gondim. With due consideration of culture, race, religion, age and gender, a society of dominant and subordinate groups maybe effectively managed. In conclusion, managing groups will be more effective if the elements that affect the interaction of dominant and subordinate groups are given due consideration and importance.
Charles D. Garvin, Lorraine M. Gutierrez, Maeda J. Galinsky, Eds.(2004). “Handbook of Social Work with Groups”.pg. 14
Chase, Ivan. “Dynamics of Hierarchy Formation: The Sequential Development of Dominance Relationships”. Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook,
N.Y. 11794, U.S.A.
Gondim Pedro. “Groups and Group Counselling”. Retrieved on June 27, 2007 from http://www.enhancedhealing.com/articles/view.php?article=706
Kang, Lee Yu. “Racial and Ethnic Inequality”. Chapter 10, pg 2. Excerpt Retrieved on June 27, 2007 from http://www.freewebtown.com/leeyukang/ITS%20Ch%2010.ppt.
Thompson, Allison.“Pratto Says Social Dominance Theory Explains Discrimination”. Advance. University of Connecticut. November 01, 1999. Retrieved on June 27, 2007 from http://www.advance.uconn.edu/1999/991101/11019908.htm
Toseland, Ronald, et. al (2004).“Group Dynamics”. Chapter 1, pg 13.
Pierce College. “Soc 1: Introduction to Sociology”. February 01, 2007. Retrieved on June 27, 2007 from http://home.earthlink.net/~clevy/02-01-07pierce1.html
“An Interview with Social Psychologist James S. Jackson:
Researching Racism in Specific Contexts” The Journal of the International Institute. University of Michigan. Retrieved on June 27, 2007 from http://www.umich.edu/~iinet/journal/vol9no1/interview.html
“Group Dynamics: Basic Nature of Groups and How They Develop”. Retrieved on June 27, 2007 from http://www.mapnp.org/library/grp_skll/theory/theory.htm
“Outdoor Action Guide to Group Dynamics & Leadership”. Retrieved on June 27, 2007 from http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/sect9.html
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