What is probably most relevant about the many aspects of
social harmony or chaos we have been sampling up until now is that they are so
evident in everyday life and yet so largely overlooked.
Through one last comment on group dynamics, I
will attempt to explain why.
You see, many of life’s human circumstances are
ruled by group dynamics. The group dynamic is particularly evident in families
of birth where people are in lifelong connection with each other (ideally).
Yet the group dynamic is also obvious in cultural situations
both positive and negative—where they may be observed in the form of
communities, organizations, clubs, institutions, gangs, governments, the
workplace, nations, and so on, and loosely referred to as "families".
This may sound like a theme from a college level Social
Studies class. And I think it is (since I have had such a class). A classic
example of group dynamics is in the 1963 Film: West Side Story.
In both family and other social contexts, similar habits,
attitudes and behaviors frequently unite people into groups and create a form
of fairly homogenous social order within the group. The great benefit of this
spontaneous social order in positive groups is a one-mind mentality that
reduces conflict, creates identity and ideally promotes health, wealth and
happiness within the group, as well as any other group impacted by them. The
great detriment of the group dynamic in negative groups is how such “unity” can
negatively impact positive groups—through dissention, hostility, and attack;
undermining their effectiveness and durability.
People do love to group up, Gentle Reader! But the choice of
group dynamic, how they will act, react and interact, is crucial to groups being
of benefit to each other—within each group—and beyond.
And, of course, good guidelines and communication benefit
everyone.
To be continued . . .
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