The individual and the group

The individual and the group

The Concept of Group and Individual within Sociocultural Approach

• Sociocultural approach highlights that an individual’s behaviour is shaped by their surrounding social and cultural environment.
• This approach explores how individuals adopt behaviours and cognitive processes through observing and interacting with others.
• Central to this approach is the concept that individuals and their behaviours cannot be understood in isolation from their social context.

The Role of Social Identity

• Social Identity Theory introduces the idea that an individual’s behaviours can largely be influenced by their group memberships, leading to the formation of their social identity.
• It proposes that an individual’s self-concept is partly determined by their group affiliations, which in turn influence their behaviour.
• Social identities can affect an individual’s attitudes towards out-group members and can foster in-group favouritism, out-group discrimination, and conformity to group norms.

The Concept of Conformity

• Conformity is a key concept in the study of an individual in a group, where the individual changes their behaviours or beliefs to match the group norms.
• There are two main types of conformity: normative (conforming to gain social approval or avoid disapproval) and informational (conforming due to uncertainty and looking to the group for guidance).
• Conformity is greatly influenced by cultural factors, social roles, group pressure and the desire to fit into a group.

Influence of Cultural Norms

• A central perspective of the sociocultural approach is the study of cultural norms and their influence on individual behaviours.
• Cultural norms are shared expectations and rules that guide behaviours of people within social groups.
• These norms can influence an individual’s thought processes and behaviours, shaping their actions and perceptions.

Interpersonal Relations

• Another essential aspect to consider is the impact of interpersonal relations on an individual’s behaviour.
• The nature of relationships can significantly affect an individual’s attitudes, emotions, and behaviours.
• The key concepts here are attraction, which pertains to the factors that draw individuals together, and aggression, which explores potential sources of conflict and negative behaviours within interpersonal relations.

By understanding the above key points about the individual and the group in sociocultural approach, one can comprehend how external factors like social and cultural environment shape an individual’s behaviour. It’s essential to remember that an individual’s behaviours and cognitive processes are not just a result of their own individual internal thoughts, but their external social context has a significant impact as well.