Cultural Influences on Social Behaviour and Aggression
Social Behaviour Across Cultures – Super Short Notes
Social behaviour: how people think, feel, and act in social situations.
Culture shapes norms, values, and acceptable behaviour.
In-Groups and Out-Groups
- In-group: Groups we belong to (family, religion, nation).
- Out-group: Groups we do not belong to.
- People favour in-groups over out-groups.
Individualistic vs Collectivistic Cultures
- Individualistic: Independence, personal goals, low conformity.
- Collectivistic: Group goals, harmony, high conformity and obedience.
Group Behaviour
- Conformity: Following group pressure.
- Compliance: Public agreement.
- Obedience: Following authority.
- Cooperation: Working together.
- Higher in collectivistic cultures.
Attribution
- Western cultures — tend to attribute behaviour to internal causes.
- Asian cultures — tend to attribute behaviour to situational causes.
Aggression
Acceptability of aggression differs across cultures. Influenced by:
- Culture type
- Economy
- War
- Political system
Person Perception & Relationships
- First impressions matter differently across cultures.
- People prefer in-group relationships.
- Intercultural relationships increase creativity.
Conclusion
Social behaviour varies across cultures due to cultural values.
Theoretical Approaches to Aggression – Ultra-Short & Precise
Biological Approach
- Aggression is innate.
- Freud: Thanatos (death instinct) redirected outward.
- Lorenz: Inherited fighting instinct for survival, territory, and mating.
Drive Approach
Aggression arises from situational triggers, not instinct. Caused by frustration, provocation, and cues (e.g., weapons).
Social Learning Approach (Bandura)
- Aggression is learned.
- Learned via reinforcement and observing models (family, media).
- Stored latently; expressed when the situation permits.
Frustration–Aggression Hypothesis
Frustration creates negative affect, leading to an aggressive inclination. Aggression depends on perceived injustice, opportunity, and restraints.
Excitation Transfer Theory
Residual arousal from one situation can intensify aggression later; arousal is misattributed to the current situation.
General Aggression Model (GAM)
Integrates personal and situational inputs. It affects affect, cognition, and arousal, leading to impulsive (aggressive) or thoughtful (non-aggressive) action. Core idea: aggression is multi-factorial, shaped by biology, learning, emotions, and context.
Groups: Definition, Components, and Formation (Short Notes)
A group is two or more individuals who:
- See themselves as members
- Share common goals
- Interact and influence each other
- Follow roles, norms, and status
📌 Example: Family, classroom, office team
Group vs Crowd
Group: Shared purpose + interaction. Crowd: No common goal (e.g., people at a bus stand).
Group vs Team
Group: Members work independently (students studying together). Team: Members are interdependent and jointly responsible (project team).
Functions of Groups
- Affiliative: Belongingness, friendship
- Egoistic: Status, self-esteem
- Functional: Help in tasks, adjustment
- Cognitive: Shared reality, validation of beliefs
Components of a Group
- Status: Position or rank (formal/informal). Low-status members conform more. Example: Teacher in classroom.
- Roles: Expected behaviour from members. Role ambiguity = unclear expectations.
- Norms: Unwritten rules guiding behaviour. Followed only if the group is valued. India → Collectivistic, USA → Individualistic.
- Cohesiveness: Degree of “we-feeling”. High cohesion → better cooperation and performance.
Stages of Group Formation (Tuckman)
- Forming: Uncertainty
- Storming: Conflict
- Norming: Rules fixed
- Performing: Goal achievement
- Adjourning: Group dissolves