Deviance in Primary Groups: The Social Negotiation of Personal Change

Abstract

The present chapter examines processes governing reactions to deviance in primary groups. Deviance in such groups is assumed to pose “group-identity” threat, and threat to psychologically significant interpersonal relationships within the group (i.e. “relational threat”). This last phenomenon is examined by analyzing primary groups' reactions to personal change of a group member. Such changes can be consistent or inconsistent with a group's “assumptive world” (i.e. “social reality” unique to primary groups). When consistent, it is suggested that such changes enlist the primary group's social support. When the change is deviant, it is assumed to precipitate resistance. The moderators of these reactions are examined, and the implications of this analysis for the areas of small group, close relationships, and social support are discussed.