Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

The term “group” refers to at least two distinct forms of social cooperation. On the one hand, it refers to small groups where local patterns of order emerge from the abilities, needs, and interests of the members. On the other hand, it refers to formal organizations where order is imposed by formal rules and sanctions imposed by appointed authorities. Groups structured according to attributes of the group members are generally informal, face-to-face groups. Groups structured by rules and authorities are generally large-scale business, service, and governmental organizations. Associations are a type of organization in which a small core of specialists performs all the work of the association on behalf of a large membership. Associations do not structure the daily work life of their members; associations advise their members, act as advocates for them, and plan activities for them. As Alexis de Tocqueville noted in the 1830s, Americans were distinguished from their European ancestors by forming an enormous number of associations to promote a varied assortment of special interests. Today, the number of special interest groups in the US ranges from the Association of American Alumni Associations to the American Zoological Association, from the Pagan Web Crafters' Association to the Association for the Freedom of Association. In addition to small groups and large-scale organizations ... log in or subscribe to read full text