Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Group classification in student activities

1957; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 34; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/01619565709536737

1532-7930

Herbert Stroup,

Cultural Differences and Values

Ludwig Gumplowicz in 1899 prophetically declared that it is possible to formulate laws concerning the behavior of groups, although he wrongly thought that the behavior of groups was not determined or influenced by the behavior of the individuals who comprise the groups. Since his time considerable effort has been deployed by sociologists, social psychologists, student activities leaders, and others in determining these laws.2 Moreover, attention also has been given, especially more recently, to the characteristics of the internal structures of groups and the interpersonal relations of members of groups. This latter effort perhaps dominates the field of dynamics today and comprises a most fascinating phase of man's concern with his behavior. The special interest at the present time in small groups is viewed by Robert Faris as a revelatory source of information on individual personality and as a logical meeting place for sociology and social psychology as related disciplines.3 From all sides, as interest grows in the nature of group life, new insights have been gained for student activities.