Positive Group Behaviour – JSS2 Social Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Group behaviour refers to situations where people interact in large or small groups. A group is a collection of two or more individuals who interact interdependently to achieve common goals. People join groups for security, recognition, self-worth, success and shared talents. Common types of group behaviour are mass action, spectators, peaceful demonstration and bullying.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain the meaning of group behaviour and of a group;
• state reasons why people join groups;
• list the types of group behaviour;
• describe each type of group behaviour.

What is group behaviour?

According to Wikipedia, group behaviour refers to situations where people interact in large or small groups.

A group can be described as a collection of two or more individuals interdependently interacting to achieve their common goals.

Why do people join groups?

1. To reduce the insecurity of working or standing alone.
2. To get recognition and status in society.
3. To enjoy feelings of self-worth.
4. To enjoy success that comes through group work or action.
5. To pool talents or power to complete a given task.

What are the types of group behaviour?

Mass action

This refers to group reactions to an incident. The members of the group take the same action at the same time in response to an incident. Most of such actions go against the normal ways of giving justice to an offender.

Spectators

These are groups of people who gather together to watch a live event, such as a football match, a drama or a concert. They are usually peaceful and react in the same way to what they watch. Even after the end of a match, almost everyone wants to analyse the lost goal chances and so on.

Peaceful demonstration

This type of group behaviour occurs when people peacefully show their grievances over neglect, marginalisation or denial of their rights over some time. It could be within people of the same profession.

Bullying

This is very common among students in secondary schools, particularly in boarding schools. A group of senior students may force junior students to donate.

Evaluation

1. What is a group?
2. State three reasons why people join groups.
3. List the four types of group behaviour.
4. Describe bullying and say where it is most common.

Assignment

Explain any two types of group behaviour in your own words.