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Social interaction among human beings is necessary for the transmission of culture and the survival of every society. This chapter examines the social behavior of groups, formal organizations, and voluntary associations.

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Give examples of primary and secondary groups.

2. Discuss the differences between in-groups, out-groups, and reference groups.

3. Explain why sociological research on small groups is important from an interactionist perspective.

4. List and discuss the characteristics of the ideal bureaucracy as identified by Max Weber.

5. Describe what is meant by the term iron law of oligarchy.

6. Compare and contrast bureaucratic dynamics from the classical theory approach and the human relations approach.

7. Discuss the importance of voluntary associations.

8. List some of the reasons that union membership in the United States is declining.