A teacher writes the four elements of group structure on the board, each with an example:
____ : a son is expected to respect elders and be responsible towards his studies
Norms : the unspoken rules that guide family members
Status : the captain of a cricket team ranks above the other players
Cohesiveness : the 'we feeling' among members
Which of the following fills the blank?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Roles
Option (1) Conformity — Incorrect. Conformity is behaving according to a group's norms. It is a form of social influence, not an element of group structure.
Option (2) Compliance — Incorrect. Compliance is behaving in response to a request from another person. It is a form of social influence, not one of the four elements of group structure.
Option (3) Obedience — Incorrect. Obedience is following an order from a person in authority. The son's behaviour here comes from what is expected of his role.
Option (4) Roles — Correct. Roles are socially defined expectations that a person in a given situation is expected to fulfil. Respecting elders and studying well are the role expectations of a son.
NCERT (2026-27): “Stages of Group Formation … |