Introduction
editWithin the concepts of Sociology, Cliques are a formation of two or more individuals who share bonding characteristics that allow for them to identify with one another to form a Social network. Those within the group communicate and associate with each other more so than with those outside of the group. [1] The formation of cliques can be identified within different Social environments throughout the course our lives; one person may be apart of multiple cliques, each forming and functioning independently from one another. Cliques are relevant in society due to the Social influence or Peer pressure that results from the interactions with individuals who share a common characteristic. The outcomes associated with clique formations may be endless with varying degrees of influence. [2] For example, a formal clique, such as a professional organization, would have a different kind of influence as compared to a social clique consisting of close friends.
Organization
editEvery clique has some form of organization that makes up the network of social interaction.[3] Informal clique networks are groups that do not have a legitimate organizational structure in which they can be established and dissolved in a shorter time period. An informal clique may consist of a person's friend group or co-workers while it may also identify other more informal groups, such as criminal gangs. [4] On the other hand, a formal clique is a group with a socially accepted organization that is hierarchical in structure. A formal clique is composed of members who have identifiable roles and interactions with one another and is found in the structure of numerous professional organizations, businesses, and even family structure.
Influence
editCliques are relevant due to the amount of influence that comes from the psychological and sociological outcomes developed through the interaction within such a group. [5] [6]
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- ^ Tichy, Noel. "An Analysis of Clique Formation and Structure in Organizations". jstor. Sage Publications Inc. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- ^ Miller, Delbert C. "Decision-Making Cliques in Community Power Structures: A Comparative Study of an American and English City". jstor. University of Chicago Press. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
- ^ Peay, Edmund R. "Hierarchail Clique Structures". jstor. American Sociological Association. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
- ^ Krackhardt, David; Stern, Robert N. "Informal Networks and Organizational Crises: An Experimental Simulation". stro. American Sociological Association. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
- ^ Cartwright, Desmond S.; Robertson, Richard J. "Membership in Cliques and Achievement". jstor. University of Chicago Press. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
- ^ Miller, Delbert C. "Decision-Making Cliques in Community Power Structures: A Comparative Study of an American and English City". jstor. University of Chicago Press. Retrieved 24 February 2016.