Group sanctions refer to rewards and punishments, such as approval or disapproval which is administered by groups to enforce conformity among members.
In psychology, group sanctions refer to the collective punishments or rewards that a group may impose on its members who violate or conform to group norms and standards. These sanctions can take various forms, ranging from verbal warnings or social exclusion to more severe consequences such as loss of membership, fines, or legal sanctions.
Examples of group sanctions include:
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Social ostracism: A group may impose sanctions on a member who fails to conform to group norms by ignoring or excluding them from social activities or conversations.
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Public shaming: A group may publicly shame or embarrass a member who violates group norms in order to discourage others from doing the same.
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Peer pressure: A group may use social pressure to encourage members to conform to group norms and avoid behaviors that are deemed unacceptable.
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Rewards and incentives: A group may offer rewards or incentives to members who consistently conform to group norms, such as praise, recognition, or promotions.
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Legal sanctions: In more formal groups such as professional organizations or sports teams, group sanctions may take the form of fines, suspensions, or legal consequences for violating rules or regulations.
Overall, group sanctions play an important role in maintaining social order and cohesion within groups by encouraging members to conform to shared norms and values. However, they can also lead to negative consequences such as social exclusion or discrimination, and may need to be carefully balanced with individual rights and autonomy.