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

Group behaviour describes 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, shared success and pooled talents. The main types in this note are mass action, spectators, peaceful demonstration and bullying.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Explain the meaning of group behaviour and of a group.
2. State five reasons why people work in groups.
3. Name and describe four types of group behaviour.
4. Give examples of spectators and of peaceful demonstration.

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 work in 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 the 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 the incident. Most such actions go against the normal ways of giving justice to an offender.

Spectators

These are groups of people who gather 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. For instance, after the end of a match, almost everyone wants to analyse the lost goal chances and so on.

Peaceful demonstration or protest

This type of group behaviour occurs when people peacefully show their grievances over neglect, marginalisation and the denial of their rights over some time. It could be among 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 group behaviour?
2. Define a group.
3. State five reasons why people work in groups.
4. Describe mass action.
5. Who are spectators? Give two examples of events they may watch.

Assignment

1. List the four types of group behaviour in this note and explain each in one sentence.
2. Explain why people choose to work in groups rather than alone, using any three reasons from the note.