ABSTRACT
Our focus in the last chapters has been on small groups that are working together to reach specific and usually well-defined goals. At this point we turn to study the social dynamics of larger social groups. Our discussion begins in this chapter with a consideration of the ways that our memberships in large social groups influence us, and the social processes that occur between and within such groups. We will focus particularly on one large social group-the culture-but will also consider to some extent a more temporary, but also relatively large group-the crowd. Then, in chapters 12 and 13 we will turn to the potential conflicts that may develop within and between individuals and groups and consider if and how such conflicts may be avoided.
