Sociology is the study of relationships amongst individuals. Sociologists are interested in determining; how relationships develop among individuals? What are the functions of relationships within a society? How relationships change? What are the impacts of relationships on, social groups, institutions and social system? “Social process” refers to, social interaction amongst individuals; which occurs in relationships. Some relationships among individuals are based on, exchange and cooperation however, others are infected with conflict and competition. In social relationships, four social processes occur frequently; exchange, cooperation, competition and conflict.
Exchange
Exchange refers to, social interaction in which people trade tangible and intangible benefits voluntarily, expectation behind exchange is; all members involved should benefit from it. Such interaction take place in many relationships. However, some relationships like, friendship and marriage are based on, trading intangible benefits. Husband and wife provide moral support to one another. When husband is having problems; wife listen to his problem, husband does same for his wife, in similar situation. Moreover, politicians and businessman use direct approach for exchange; if one party is willing to help other, they demand something in return; exchange is based on conditionality. For instance, two political parties support each other candidates, in different constituency (conditionality; you support my candidate in district A, I will support yours in district B).
There should be equilibrium in exchange process, one who receives the favor should return it back to the other party. Balance in exchange is necessary; for the retention and smooth functioning of relationships. The expectation to keep balance in exchange, for the retention and smooth functioning of social relationships is termed as, “Norms of reciprocity”. For instance, if your cousin helps you in the preparation of college entrance exams, you will have to pay him back somehow. Whether, you buy him a gift (tangible benefit) or, give him moral support (intangible benefit) when he is under stress or, going through some personal problems. However, if you failed to balance the exchange, your relationship will probably suffer. Relationships develop and sustain due to, balance in exchange. If you don’t want to develop relationship with someone, you should not accept any favor. Suppose, if a stranger wants to help you in your financial crisis, you will probably think that, what is his angle? Why he is helping me? What does this guy wants from me? If you take his help it is implied, you owe him a favor. If you don’t want to owe him a favor or, you are not interested in developing any kind of relationship; then better not to accept his favor.
In exchange relationship, each party should get something out of it. This does not means, everyone will get equal benefit. Neither, the reward is equal nor, the power of individuals; who are involved in exchange relationship. Those who control more resources have more power in exchange. For instance, in high school, student A ; who belongs to wealthy family; organizes parties and different fun events for friends, holds more power compare to student B; who belongs to middle class family and do not have enough means to entertain friends like, student A does. If both invite their mutual friends at their homes, on the same day, friends will probably respond to student A invitation. Student A has control over more valuable resources compare to student B. Hence, student A holds more power in exchange relationship.
Cooperation
When people work together, to achieve common goal is called, cooperation. Individuals cooperate with one another in, social groups, associations and institutions within a society. Moreover, cooperation process occur on both levels micro and macro.
On macro level, Citizens conform to constitutional laws to sustain order, within the country. They cooperate with one another to achieve mutual goal; which is safety and security of, life and property. For instance, we stop at, red light and move on, when light turns green, we cooperate with one another; to avoid car accidents. Which could result in severe injury or, death. People support law enforcement agencies to arrest and punish criminals. Because they don’t want anyone to harm them or their property. People may come together to support raise in taxes. For the reason that, poor factions could receive good health care within a country. They may cooperate with one another to, protest against establishment of chemical factory in residential area; which might cause health problem in the community. In schools, principle, Teachers and administration staff cooperate with one another, to educate children.
On micro level, spouses work together; to raise their children and make them productive members of society. For instance, both might work, to finance their children education and household expenses or, they may divide responsibilities to support their family. Wife might be responsible for household chores whereas, husband responsibility is to finance household expenses. Moreover, friends cover for one another by, lying to teachers and parents. Siblings may cooperate to organize party at their home, in the absence of their parents.
Competition
When people fail to attain their goals through, exchange and cooperation, it might result in competition and conflict. Suppose, if two friends are preparing for scholarship test but, both could not study because of each other routine activities. For instance, if one does not avoid playing video game with friends, while other is studying. Whereas, other does not avoid playing loud music at night, while his friend is preparing for test. Both will not be able to achieve their goal, it will increase the probability of competition and conflict between them.
When people struggle over scares resources; which is regulated by shared norms is known as, competition. Norms is the legitimate way for individuals to get access to resources. Those who play by rules and succeed in competition, they are considered fair winners by competitors. However, if the goal is achieved through the illegitimate way and exposed, it will result in conflict.
Competition is productive in formal organization and might result in conflict in informal organization. Two employees competing for promotion work hard and put extra in work, which increases the output of organization. Competition among students for good grades is productive. Student competing in sports keep them physically and mentally fit. However, in some cases competition results in reduced cooperation, conflict, stress and in equality. For instance, those who have access to more resources might bypass the rules of competition, which results in class conflict and inequality.
Conflict
When people struggle over scares resources; which is not regulated by shared norms is known as, conflict. People can use any means to get access to resources. Conflict weakens solidarity among individuals within a society. However, if conflict is with other group or society it will increase solidarity among individuals. Most countries advertise fake news of conflict with other country, to divert the attention of citizens from economic crises with in a country. In economic institution conflict may occur between owner and workers due to, unequal distribution of resources. Such conflict may decrease the productivity of organization.
Written by; Khushdil Khan Kasi