Social bond

Social bond
See also
Attitudes and behaviour Religious tourism Path goal theory National culture Psychological age Organizational culture Internal motivation International negotiations Situated learning

Social bond is an inter-personal or inter-group relationship within given population. These relationships are sustained by various forces (family, friends, co-workers, etc.).

Main goal of social bond

General purposes of creating social bond within group of people are:

• supporting friendly relationships with people,
• raising self-esteem,
• getting social support,
• facilitating realization of goals.

Aspects of social bonds

Social bond is an objective relationship involves connecting the community in similar circumstances. This situation has important consequences for members of the population. In this connection it is easy to determine commonality and interpersonal relationships between persons.

The factors generating social bond are:

• gender,
• age,
• race,
• place of residence,
• type of work performed.

Social bond types

The consequences of similarities in terms of the above-mentioned factors occur regardless of whether people are aware of the existence of these similarities.

• Subjective bonds - show the states of consciousness, attitude toward others and the whole universe. It may be a reflection of living conditions of the population, as well as the characteristics of its members, for example: economic situation, opinions or values.
• Moral bonds are variety of subjective bonds with normative character, Components of the moral bonds:
  • trust - people should comply with the obligations
  • solidarity - the ability to take action on behalf of someone else's interests

Examples of Social bond

• Family Relationships: Family relationships are one of the most important forms of social bonds. The bonds between family members are often characterized by a deep level of trust, loyalty, and commitment. Family members rely on each other for emotional and financial support, and they provide a sense of belonging and security.
• Friendship: Friendships are another form of social bond. Friendships are often based on shared interests, activities, and experiences. They are an important source of emotional support and companionship, and they can also provide a sense of self-worth and belonging.
• Workplace Relationships: Workplace relationships are formed through interactions with colleagues and supervisors. These relationships can be beneficial in terms of developing professional skills, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie, and providing emotional support.
• Community Relationships: Relationships within a community can be fostered through participation in local events and activities. These relationships can provide support, a sense of belonging, and an opportunity to be part of something bigger than oneself.
• Social Media: Social media has become an increasingly important way to form and maintain relationships. Through platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, people are able to connect with others from around the world, share experiences, and form relationships.

Advantages of Social bond

A social bond can provide numerous advantages to individuals and groups alike. It can facilitate communication, provide support and understanding, encourage collaboration, and foster trust. These advantages can help to strengthen relationships and make them more resilient against external pressures.

• It can facilitate communication: By creating a connection between people, it can make it easier for them to understand each other and exchange ideas.
• It can provide support and understanding: Having a strong bond with someone can provide the reassurance that someone is there for you when you need them.
• It can encourage collaboration: A strong bond can make it easier for people to work together, as they can trust and rely on each other.
• It can foster trust: When people have a strong bond with someone, they are more likely to trust them, which can be beneficial in many areas of life.
• It can promote a sense of belonging: A strong bond can make people feel connected to something greater, which can make them feel more secure and valued.

Limitations of Social bond

• Social bonds can be limited by time, distance, and conflicting interests. For example, when two people live in different locations, the time and money required to maintain the social bond is often impractical. Additionally, two individuals may have different life goals or interests, making it difficult to maintain a strong connection.
• Social bonds can also be weakened by external factors such as stress, negative experiences, and trauma. When individuals are facing difficult life circumstances, they may not have the emotional energy to maintain relationships with others.
• Social bonds can also be weakened by internal factors such as mental health issues or differences in personality. Individuals who struggle with depression or anxiety may find it difficult to maintain strong relationships, while two people with very different personalities may struggle to find common ground.
• Finally, social bonds can be limited by a lack of communication. When two people do not communicate regularly, it is difficult to build and maintain a strong relationship.

Other approaches related to Social bond

One approach to social bond is the social exchange theory which posits that relationships are based on a give-and-take of rewards and costs. Another approach is the social learning theory which states that people learn from their environment and the people in it. Additionally, the social identity theory suggests that people are motivated to maintain a positive self-image by aligning themselves with a group. Finally, the social network theory suggests that people are connected to each other through a network of relationships.

In summary, the four approaches to social bond are social exchange theory, social learning theory, social identity theory, and social network theory. Each of these theories looks at relationships in different ways and provides valuable insight into understanding and strengthening social bonds.

References

• Galinsky, A. D., Ku, G., & Wang, C. S. (2005). Perspective-taking and self-other overlap: Fostering social bonds and facilitating social coordination. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 8(2), 109-124.
• Huberman, B. A., Romero, D. M., & Wu, F. (2008). Social networks that matter: Twitter under the microscope. Available at SSRN 1313405.
• Thomson, I. T. (1989). The transformation of the social bond: Images of individualism in the 1920s versus the 1970s. Social Forces, 67(4), 851-870.