Define a group and explain the differences between primary and ...

[sarasara]

Define a group and explain the differences between primary and secondary groups.
 
  What will be an ideal response

Question 2

What are background assumptions? Describe what happens when background assumptions are violated. What does the ethnomethodological study of background assumptions tell us about the nature of social life?
 
  What will be an ideal response

[zogaridan]

Answer to Question 1

Groups are people who interact, have something in common and who believe that what they have in common is significant. Primary groups are small, relatively permanent groups that are characterized by intimate face-to-face interaction and cooperation. These groups fill the emotional needs of people by providing feelings of high self-esteem, a sense of belonging and being appreciated, and sometimes love. Secondary groups are larger, relatively temporary, more anonymous, formal and impersonal. These groups are based on some interest or activity, and people usually interact on the basis of specific roles.

Answer to Question 2

Background assumptions are deeply embedded common understandings or basic rules concerning our view of the world and of how people ought to act in that world. When such assumptions are violated, people become bewildered, confused, anxious, and even angry. The study of these assumptions provides us with an insight on the ways in which basic rules of social life are an essential part of social structure.