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Groups are not just a collection of individuals. They play a crucial role in shaping society’s structure. Some groups exist to unite people with shared interests, while others have significant power over economic, political, and social systems. Understanding these groups helps sociologists analyze how power, participation, and organization impact broader societal dynamics.
The Power Elite
Sociologist C. Wright Mills used the term power elite to refer to his theory that the United States is actually run by a small group representing the most wealthy, powerful, and influential people in business, government, and the military. According to Mills, their decisions dictate the policies of this country more than those of the voting public. Mills also pointed out that the influence of the power elite overlaps into many different areas. For example, a wealthy businessman may make large contributions to a particular political candidate.
Voluntary Associations
A voluntary association is a group that people choose to join, in which members are united by the pursuit of a common goal. Some voluntary associations operate on the local level, such as the parent-teacher organization at a particular school. Membership in any given PTA is voluntary, and the members unite to encourage communication between parents and teachers in the hope of benefiting local education.
Some voluntary associations operate on a statewide level, such as a campaign to reelect a particular state politician. Others function on a nationwide basis, such as the Girl Scouts or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Still others are international.
Voluntary associations can be temporary or permanent. In a temporary voluntary association, the group disbands once the common goal is achieved.
Example: A voluntary association forms to protest a particular piece of legislation. The association dissolves once the law is repealed.
In a permanent voluntary association, the group exists as long as individuals are interested in belonging to it.
Example: Many individuals who join Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) remain active members for the rest of their lives.
Formal Organizations
A formal organization is a secondary group organized to achieve specific goals. Formal organizations tend to be larger and more impersonal than voluntary associations. There are many formal organizations in industrialized countries, but few exist in non-industrialized societies.
Example: A corporation is usually a formal organization. Corporations tend to be large and are characterized by secondary relations among their employees. The goal of most corporations is very specific: to increase profits.
Types of Organizations
Sociologists typically categorize organizations into three main types based on their goals and the reasons individuals join them:
Normative Organizations: Also known as voluntary organizations, these are groups that people join to pursue shared goals or interests they find personally meaningful. Membership in these organizations is typically voluntary, and the primary motivation is not financial but ideological, moral, or social.
Coercive Organizations: Is the term for groups that individuals are forced to join, often under threat of punishment or as part of a legal or institutional requirement. Membership is typically involuntary, and individuals have little or no control over their participation.
Utilitarian Organizations: These are groups that individuals join primarily to gain material rewards, such as income, benefits, or career advancement. Membership is often based on choice but is motivated by practical, financial, or professional needs.
|
Type |
Purpose |
Examples |
Motivation |
|
Normative |
Promote a cause, foster community, or achieve collective goals |
Charities like the Red Cross, advocacy groups like Greenpeace, and social clubs |
People join to align with the organization’s values, make a difference, or connect with others who share similar interests. |
|
Coercive |
To control or reform behavior and provide structure within a larger social framework |
Prisons, mental health institutions (in cases of involuntary commitment), and military drafts |
Coercive organizations often involve strict rules, surveillance, and formal hierarchies, which emphasize conformity and control. |
|
Utilitarian |
Provide members with tangible rewards in exchange for their participation or work |
Corporations, government agencies, and schools |
People join to secure jobs, earn a salary, or gain credentials. |
While these three types of organizations differ in purpose and membership dynamics, they are not mutually exclusive. For example, a university could be considered a utilitarian organization for students seeking degrees, a normative organization for alumni who volunteer or donate, and a coercive organization for individuals required to attend as part of legal or professional obligations.
