Source

Introduction

Welcome to class. Last week we talk about environmental problems. We were made to understand what environmental problems are, types of environmental problems, effect of environmental problems and lastly, solutions to environmental problems.
In today's lesson, you will be made to understand the meaning of social environment, types and the different between primary and secondary social environment, conflict resolution and solutions to conflict resolution.

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
(i) Explain the meaning of the social environment.
(ii) Mention types of social environment.
(iii) Differentiate between social groups in the environment.
(iv) Discuss the roles of social groups in society.
(v) Explain the causes of conflict
within the social groups.
(vi) Suggest ways of resolving conflicts.

Meaning of social environment

Man is a social being. He does not live alone on earth but lives among others in groups and enjoys their company. His activities are controlled by the group or society to which he belongs. He obeys the rules and regulations of the society and co-operates with members of his society.

Social environment, therefore, refers to people in our society and our relationship with one another; how we interact, provide our needs, and solve our problems in society. Man's social environment includes his home, which is made up of his parents, brothers and sisters; the school he attends; his office; his place of worship, like Church or Mosque where he goes for prayers, clubs to which he belongs; and other organizations of which he is a member.

All associations that man belongs to are called social groups. A social group consists of individuals who come together and are united for a particular purpose. Every member is expected to take part in its activities and obey its rules and regulations. Usually, their major aim is to improve the standard of life in our communities.

Types of Social

Groups Social groups are divided into two categories as shown below.

The two categories of Social Groups ar (i) Primary Group and (ii) Secondary Group.

Primary social group

The primary group is made up of people who know one another very closely. Usually, they have face-to-face permanent relationship and possibly know one another by their names. Such groups are small and have a very deep sense of belonging. Examples are family, kinship, peer group or playmates, age grades, etc.

Secondary social group

Secondary social groups consist of a large number of people who are not as close and intimate as in the primary group. There is no face-to-face permanent relationship. Relationships are official and impersonal. Usually, a secondary group is made up of a large number of people.
Examples of secondary groups are voluntary organizations, associations, trade unions, political parties, companies, institutions of learning, clubs, etc.

The secondary social group can be classified into three:

(i) Benefit-oriented organisations: Their members depend on the profit envisaged, as in companies, banks, health education, and political parties.

(ii) Voluntary organizations: These are associations that render social and humanitarian services. They are interested in serving others without payment, only for the benefit of the society, e.g., Red Cross, Boys Scout, Boys Brigade, Girls Guides, etc.
Secondary groups relate with one another just as members within a group interact with one another. Such relationships are usually in the form of friendship, harmony, etc.

Differences between Primary and Secondary Groups

Primary Group:

1. Members have a close relationship
   with one another.
2. Primary groups have small membership.
3. Members know one another very
   closely.

Secondary Group:

1. Relationships are official and impersonal.
2. Membership in a secondary group is large.
3. Membership is drawn from various tribes.

Influence of man on the Social Environment

Our social environments undergo changes, and these changes largely depend on the influences of man. Some of these influences are as follows:

1. Man ensures that there is good governance by establishing good
   government for the people.

2. He makes rules, regulations, and sanctions to control the behaviour of people in society.

3. Man makes law and order to make sure there is security and peace.

4. Man engages in productions of goods and services to satisfy human wants.

5. Man educates and trains other members of the society.

6. Through science and technology, he discovers and invents many things that make society better.

Conflicts and conflict resolution

Conflict has to do with quarrel or disagreement between two or more individuals over an issue. It is a natural phenomenon in every human society. Disagreements could occur within a social group due to differences in interest opinions, views, and self ambitions of members.

An individual's interest may differ from that of the group. When such an individual whose interests differ from that of the group wants to satisfy his interests and neglects the interest of group, conflict may arise, e.g., the land disputes in our communities. The two types of conflicts are peaceful and violent conflicts.

Problems that cause conflicts in
Nigeria

1. Religious problem e.g. Christianity and Islam.
2. Ethnicity--Ethnic differences and
   problems.
3. Political Leadership-which group or ethnic group produces the
   leader.
4. Difference in ideology.
5. Land dispute.

The above problems occur as a result of the following:
(i) Lack of co-operation
(ii) Differences in interests
(iii) Different opinions and views
(iv)Clash of interests
(v) Negligence of official duty, and
(vi) Greed

Effects of Conflicts:
(i) Riot - destruction of property
(ii) Fighting, e.g., war, which may take
people's lives.
(iii) Social instability, e.g., confusion and insecurity in society.
(iv) Lack of peace, unity, and progress
(v) Breakdown of law and order.
(vi) Protest rallies, etc.

Resolution of Conflicts

Conflicts, whether they are between persons or groups, can be resolved through the following ways:

(i) Dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
Getting the parties involved to come together to agree and make peace.
(ii) Government intervention in the matter.
(iii) Efforts of the heads of the groups, e.g., head of the family, school, or community. (iv) Settlement at the law court.
(v) War: This is not a good method of settling conflicts. It is taken as the last resort. In modern times, it is not encouraged.
(vi) Reporting to law enforcement agents, e.g., the police.

Homework task

1. What is Social Environment?
2. What is the difference between primary social group and secondary social group?
3. List two examples of primary groups and three examples of secondary groups?
4. State the functions of the family?
5. What is conflict; and how best can it be resolved?

Rules

• Your homework post should be at least 300 words.
• Post in steem kids and parents Community
• You must belong to any of these clubs, club5050 club75 and club100
• Use the hashtags 'learnwithsteem, steemexclusive, yourcountry, and your club status as part of your hashtag.
• Drop your entry link at the comment section.
  All participants who perform well will be rewarded.

Note: The homework is open for everyone