集団の本質

Abstract

So far there exist, at least, three kinds of theory about the essentiality of human group. In the first place the interaction theory expounded by G. Simmel, F. Tönnies and M. Weber, regards the interactions or the social relationships of the members of a human group as the essentiality of the group. Secondly in the behavior theory, which was set forth originally by E. Durkheim and further developed by J. Usui, the way of behavior common to all the group member is regarded as the essentiality of human group. Then thirdly there is the subjective theory, into which the group theories of A. Vierkandt, R. M. MacIver and C. H. Cooley can be classified. They maintain that group consciousness or group sentiment should be regarded as the essentiality of human group. Now the author tries to advance the sort of theory which is partly or implicitly implied by the theories of G. C. Homans and T. Parsons; he contends that the most important characteristics of human group would be the aspects of the norm and the control of the group, and proposes to define the norm of human group as that which gives indications to the actions of the group members and sets up the range of freedom for their actions. With this broad concept of social norm which involves the concept of command and that of the rôle of each group member, the analysis of the dynamic and differentiated aspects of human group would be more successful.