Name and explain the forms of interaction in society.

a) Communication:
Communication is crucial to interaction. Without communication, there is no meaningful interaction. It requires either the use of language or non-verbal communication such as facial expressions and gestures. Communication can have both good and bad effects on society. To facilitate interaction in society, every member has not only to communicate but understand the means of communication when used by others. Communicating effectively in the process of interaction requires an understanding of the people being communicated with as well as an ability to comprehend their feelings.

b) Competition:
Competition is a form of interaction whereby two or more individuals struggle for the same thing. The main emphasis is on achieving a goal. In a social system, competition can take various forms. In schools, students compete for marks through intellectual endeavors. Inter-house competitions are also a form of interaction. People also compete to acquire wealth. Competitions have both positive and negative effects. Where an individual competes and succeeds, this increases his desire to compete for additional societal rewards. But where an individual fails, this leads to frustration. Most sociologists view competition as a positive way of motivating people to perform essential societal roles as long as it follows acceptable rules of conduct. However, unhealthy competition can lead to psychological stress, lack of cooperation in social relationships, inequality and conflict.

c) Conflict:
In conflict, two or more people are at odds because of different interests and are striving for opposing objectives. Emphasis is on defeating the opponent. Conflict is the deliberate attempt to control by force, op pose, harm or resist the will of another person or persons. In human interaction, there is always bound to be some disagreements. But there is also a possibility of resolving them. There are occasions when an individual disagrees or is in conflict with himself, for instance when faced with conflicting desires, emotions or aims. When resolved, conflicts lead to better understanding among members of the social system. Conflicts sometimes begins competition.
Some sociologists have pointed out that conflict serves some useful purposes. It reinforces group boundaries and strengthens group loyalty by focusing attention on an outside threat. This also draws attention away from internal problems. Conflict can also lead to social change by bringing problems to the fore and forcing opposing sides to seek solutions (Thomas, 1995).

d) Accommodation:
Accommodation is the adjustment of groups in society or individuals in a social group to each other. It is a state of balance between cooperation and conflict. In effective interaction, each member must accommodate the shortcomings of others in order to succeed in the collective endeavor. Accommodation demands agreement between two or more parties. If any group offers resistance, the others will be frustrated and inhibited from playing their full part.
Accommodation can take a number of different forms. One of them is compromise. This occurs when two parties both give up something to reach mutual agreement. In schools, administrators and students can reach compromise on how to reduce costs. Another form of accommodation is truce. This halts a conflict until compromise can be reached. Sometimes, when two parties cannot agree on compromise, mediation is used. A third party that acts as adviser and counsellor is called in to help the two parties reach an agreement. Arbitration may also be used. This is where a third party makes a decision that is binding on both parties (Thomas, 1995).

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francis1897 answered the question on August 18, 2022 at 13:57