Social Dynamics and Differences in the I- function :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Humans have evolved to live a social life in groups. By arranging social life in different ways, cultures affect psychological processes. -Shinobu Kitayama, Japanese psychologist of Kyoto University Society can be divided into two social factions: collectivists and individualists. And within these large divisions are smaller groupings reflecting the whole, such that the Greek systems fraternities and sororities are collectivists and those uninterested, non- members are individualists. The division is not explicit, but rather a continuum of varying degrees of collectivisict and individualistic tendencies (11). A broad definition of collectivism is the tendency to identify self with an in- group, or chosen group of people with common values and beliefs (11). These close and personal relationships allow collectivists to identify better with others self concepts, rather than their own, which corresponds to the tendency to act in ways in which it is personally disadvantageous, but advanta geous to the group (5) Individualism is the tendency to identify self without regard for others perspective of themselves, but rather seeking our unique selves (11). Individualist behavior has a tendency to surround enhancing their unique self and behaving in ways that are advantageous to the self (11). Collectivist and Individualist factions are actually cultures, with their own set of values and beliefs that guide each groups behavior. Humans sense of self is derived from existing social relationships, such that self is influenced by culture and behavior is one of the ways it is manifested in peoples lives (7). To understand where behavior comes from- to understand why people behave the way they do- means learning about values and beliefs (10). The concept of personal identity differs greatly from culture to culture; from Greek organization to Greek organization there are different sets of values and beliefs accentuated (10). Eight main purposes of sororities and fraternities are as follows: sharing relationships, loyalty to the Alma Mater, provide social activities, provide service projects, intellectual vitality, an outlet for inter- college associations and friendships, guidance for moral and ethical growth, and to provide opportunities for leadership (2). Each fraternity or so rority decides how much emphasis to place on each pursuit, which identifies different cultures within a culture, the collectivists faction. An overall goal/theme of organizations within the Greek system revolve around the notion of learning and understanding how other peoples minds work (2). This exemplifies a collectivist tendency to understand others self better than ones own self (14).