From the “Social Groups” video, I could see aspects of the remedial model in a friend group that comes together to provide support during difficult times. The group aims to help members address problems and improve their situations. The “Seven Models” video discusses the reciprocal model arising when society and individuals experience interference in their mutual striving. I might see this play out in a community group trying to balance diverse needs. The developmental model involves increasing closeness and intimacy over time. In the “Tuckman’s Stages” video, the move from forming to storming to norming shows a progression that could fit the developmental model as relationships deepen. Their strong identification as an “ingroup” shows how the developmental model relies on a sense of belonging. However, the conformity and groupthink exhibited also suggest risks of the developmental model taken too far without an outside perspective.
The tight-knit friend group exhibits substantial conformity and groupthink tendencies that could benefit from more diversity of thought. Their insularity as an “ingroup” also risks antagonism toward “outgroups” that a more inclusive mindset could help temper. Though intimacy bonds them, some members may feel pressured to conform rather than participate voluntarily. To counteract these issues, changes to encourage dissenting voices, build external connections beyond the group, ensure willing engagement by all members, and promote inclusion would strengthen group dynamics. However, changes may be challenging due to the emphasis on belonging inherent in their developmental model as a primary group. Fostering gradual openness to new perspectives could introduce diversity while preserving close bonds.
The friend group exhibits the later stages of Tuckman’s model. Their cohesion and willingness to engage in risky shared activities indicate they are in the Performing stage, where the group works seamlessly together. However, their conformity and groupthink show risks of the stagnation that can occur in prolonged performance. The video’s description of them as a highly bonded primary group means they likely moved through the earlier Forming, Storming, and Norming phases some time ago. Though in the Performing stage presently, the group could benefit from revisiting earlier stages to incorporate diverse perspectives and counter groupthink. Specifically, returning to aspects of Storming could introduce productive debate and tension that brings in dissenting voices. Some controlled conflict during Norming to establish new roles and processes could diversify thought. The group can refresh their approach and avoid complacency by circling back while retaining close bonds.
The group seems to have formed primarily due to the emotional connections and sense of belonging gained from being part of a tightly knit “ingroup.” As the video states, being part of a group is a crucial defining aspect. The friends also likely share common interests, backgrounds, or values that initially drew them into associating. However, the conformity and risky behavior exhibited indicate that maintaining group membership and identity has become an end in itself for these friends. They continue to act as a group because belonging to this group has become a core part of their identities and social lives. The group persists because it fulfills vital psychological needs like affiliation, validation, and purpose for its members. While initial bonds may have formed around shared attributes, preserving group affiliation has emerged as the primary motivator for its continued existence and cohesion. The “ingroup” gives them a vital sense of belonging.
The group’s willingness to jump off a bridge together despite risks shows conformity and lack of independent thought, hallmarks of groupthink. Also, the video directly states that the friends exhibit conformity and willingness to take risky actions as a group. This group cohesion without dissent is a clear sign of groupthink. The friends identify strongly as an “ingroup,” even antagonizing “outgroups.” This ingroup/outgroup dynamic breeds groupthink by isolating them from differing viewpoints. Their bonding as a primary group means preserving group identity overrides rational thought. This is a prime condition for groupthink to emerge.
If groupthink were absent, I would watch for signs like the group critically evaluating decisions, weighing risks/rewards, inviting dissenting views, avoiding ingroup bias against outsiders, and individuals feeling comfortable questioning the group’s actions. Lacking those indicators in such a cohesive, bonded group would suggest groupthink continuing to dominate their thinking and choices. Any signs of conformity, lack of critical evaluation, isolation, or prioritizing group identity over rationality would signify groupthink.
References
CrashCourse. (2017). Social Groups: Crash Course Sociology #16. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wFZ5Dbj8DA
The Right Questions. (2022). The 5 Stages of Team Development. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RwkZxGPQb8
Social Work Scholar. (2022, March 28). Seven Important Models | Models of Social Group Work. Www.youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdTm0ZX4ZBI
write