Psychology

» pink101 - T. M. Mills

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T. M. Mills, Ph.D, Harvard University, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for the Study of Human Groups, State University of New York and Buffalo (circa 1980s), postulates that human beings form and operate in groups for the following classification of orders of purpose:
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1. immediate gratification; 2. sustenance of conditions permitting gratification; 3. pursuit of a collective goal; 4. self-determination; and 5. growth.
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Freinds are members of a friendship group. There can be 2 or more members in any particular group of friends. If we are to assign the above five purposes to any group, doesn't it make sense that the friendship group would include all five? So, wouldn't a friend support the idea that their friends should be able to let go of the ties between them for purposes of self-determination and growth? As such, doesn't it make sense the the collective goal would be for the growth of the other?
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That is, if we are to buy Mills' postulation.
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Just thought these ideas should be in the mix of the articles and discussions on friends.

-- posted by pink101