Types Of Group Behaviour |Social Studies

Here are the types of group behaviour:

1. Mass Action

Mass action takes place when a great number of people voluntarily or involuntarily decide to carry out a particular event, ceremony, programme or project to contribute meaningfully to human existence.

For example, mass action towards the removal of a bad leader from office because of loss of confidence in the leader.

There is also mass wedding in churches. In the Catholic church a great number of those that have not registered their marriages with the church accept mass wedding to enable them participate in the Holy communion and other church activities.

Mass can be organized against child trafficking, rape, cultism, armed robbery and other forms of social ills, to bring to a stop the evil practices in the society.

2. Communal Labour

This refers to the activity performed by people or groups who have common social interests, goals, aspirations and feelings in a particular area. Communal labour in the rural areas include:

1. Construction and building of bridges, trading squares and markets.

2. Planning and execution of cultural festivals.

3. Co-operation in the provision of social amenities.

4. Organizing and execution of marriage ceremonies in the rural communities.

5. Organizing the clearing and cultivation of farmland for agricultural purposes.

6. Harvesting of oil palm nuts, etc.

Communal Labour Done In The Urban Areas

1. Organizing of clean-up campaign in certain dirty corners of the city.

2. Organizing talk on major killer diseases, such as polio, sickle cell, measles, etc.

3. Organizing free treatment for the old people in the society and distribution of insecticide treated nets against mosquito bites.

4. Churches and Mosques pray for the peace, progress and unity of the nation collectively in their different religious circles.

3. Joining A Protest Or March. Protest March Can Be Organized:

1. Promotional groups: These are actions that promote some causes which may not directly benefit their members. Examples are National Council for Eradicating Illiteracy, Human Rights groups, and the Red Cross.

2. Protest March By Professionals such as NUT, NBA, NMA: Protest march against rampant kidnapping of people in the society, protest march against bottle-necks in education, protest march against incessant rape in the country and others.

4. Acting Patriotically

This means acting with utmost zeal, with commitment, dedication, punctuality and civility in matters that concern the nation or country.

Nigeria is yet to have many people who will serve the country with patriotic strength, defend her unity, uphold her honour and glory.

There is observable intent of unity, faith, loyalty and honesty. It is not obviously deeply rooted in the leaders, not to talk of the followers.

The Nigerian national soccer team display high sense of unity and patriotism anytime they engage teams from other nations. A good percentage of Nigerians support them when they are winning. The moment they display poor performance they withdraw their support. Patriotic behaviour should be seen in give and take spirit.

Let us have patriotic behaviour in the protection and preservation of public property, for example stopping wasting tap water, helping the needy, the cold elements of the population and the protection of life and property of individuals and groups.

We can in a patriotic manner remove insecurity and hostile environment by reporting people of dubious characters to the law enforcement agents and the agencies for the protection of life and property in the society promptly and in all issues of national interests.

Note: Group behaviour can be constructive (positive) or destructive (negative).

1. Destructive Group Behaviour: This group use violence to achieve their aims and aspirations. Examples are the Boko Haram, Cult groups, etc

2. Constructive Or Positive Group Behaviour: Positive group behaviours are those actions from groups of people who are bound together by some common interests or professions; who embark on activities to influence government policies to their own advantage and their society.

Here are some of the characteristics of destructive and constructive group behaviour:

Characteristics Of Destructive Group Behaviour

1. They attempt to protect the common interest of their members.

2. Their activities are carried out through levies, donations and support from other sources who like their negative behaviour.

3. Groups with negative behaviour, at the initial stage, recruit their members. Others force unwilling or uninterested members of the society into their groups.

4. They give their members rigorous and intensive training to enable them build up endurance and resistance against any normal government.

5. They have strong leaders and followers.

Characteristics Of Positive Group Behaviours

1. The source of their income remains levies, donations, and dues. They can get financial support from members of the society who appreciate their activities.

2. They have body of knowledgeable experts who can relate with people from all walks of life – religion, military, civilian, economy, traditional institutions, etc.

3. They accept membership only from those who possess the requisite criteria.

4. They are well-organized. Their leadership is carefully tested, selected and approved.

5. They exist to promote the common good of the masses and not to take over the running of the government.