Delta State University
Sociology 101
Spring Semester 2003

Study Questions
Henslin Text, Chapter 5

(1)  What is the difference between a group, an aggregate and a category? 

(2)  Provide a definition for the following types of groups:

• Primary groups
• Secondary groups
• Inner circle
• In-groups and out-groups
• Reference groups
• Social networks
• Dyads
• Peer groups

(3)  Illustrate the concept of secondary groups by (a) distinguishing it from primary groups, and (b) providing examples of secondary groups and explaining their structure.

(4)  Apply the concept of the “iron law of oligarchy” to explain the difference between in-groups and out-groups.

(5)  Max Weber suggested bureaucracies are formal organizations with specific structures.  Identify and explain five characteristics of bureaucracies, according to Weber.

(6)  Henslin suggests that once groups are formed, they tend to perpetuate themselves.  Describe some reasons why this is so, and some mechanisms through which this occurs.

(7)  Georg Simmel studied small groups, and proposed that groups larger than dyads are inherently stronger.  Why?

(8)  How might leadership style affect an organization?  For each of the following, provide an example of how this leadership style might affect a group in a positive manner, and how it might affect a group in a negative manner:

            (a) Authoritarian leader
            (b) Democratic leader
            (c) Laissez-faire leader

(9)  A general theme in this chapter is that larger groups tend to be more formalized.  What does this mean and why is this so?