This essay about the work of a famous anthropologist is an attempt to illuminate one way that researchers could apply their findings about the behavior of people in particular groups to ethical considerations of social relations. I argue that Gregory Bateson (1904-1980) is a good example because he applied a few seminal ideas to a wide range of…

Asserts that the study of human behavior is the study of social interaction. Describes a theoretical perspective from sociology and shows how it relates to the alcoholic family. Analyzes the dynamics within a family affected by alcoholism to examine who has the power, who maintains control, how one loses power, and how power is exhibited. (NB)

Presents one teacher's tongue-in-check suggestions for how to behave on an accrediting team. (JD)

An integration of the concepts of situational leadership with what is known about group development and functioning of work groups is discussed as a tool in helping managers, trainers, and group members understand group development and determine the appropriate leader behaviors to use in various situations to build unified, cohesive, and…

Focusing on a group of drug users, this article examines behavioral and attitudinal coping strategies in paranoia and illustrates how the management of paranoia may create elaborate interaction rituals which serve both to "protect" group participants and to reinforce a collective orientation among them. (Author/EB)

This paper seeks to integrate some ideas from family systems theory and attachment theory within a theory of public opinion and social movement. Citing the classic "The Authoritarian Personality," the paper states that the first authorities children know, their parents or other caregivers, shape children's attitudes toward all…

This document proposes the adoption of a rules-based theoretical perspective for the study of family interaction. In the first section, Logical and Empirical Requirements, concepts and basic assumptions pertinent to rules theory are considered. The concepts of coordination and determinacy, as used in a rules framework, are explained, and logical…

Describes the characteristics and behavior of three kinds of peer groups in the composition classroom. Discusses some of the difficulties these groups encounter in their critiquing, and some suggestions for improving the dynamics of the less successful groups. (HTH)

Examines the communicative behaviors of subordinate groups with dominant social groups. Analyzes the following forms of communication performed by and seen from the perspective of a lower-statused person communicating with a higher-statused person: tomming, passing, shucking, and dissembling. (PD)

Examines different ways the experience of fostering can affect the biological children of foster families. Emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of the whole family when making placements, of addressing the needs of those children at an early stage, and of making sure the children are listened to and always have access to support. (AA)