Ritchie on the Metaphysics of Social Groups

2024-2 Social Ontology Segment 2

 

Q) According to Ritchie, there is an important distinction to be made between two types of social groups – teams, committees, clubs, bands, etc., on the one hand, and racial, gender, ethnic groups, etc., on the other. Which features, according to her, help distinguish between these two kinds of social groups? Would you change anything about her criteria?           

Ritchie presents several features that distinguish between two types of social groups: (1) whether social groups are organized, (2) whether they require some sort of shared or collective intentionality, (3) whether they have volitional conditions under which members operate, and (4) whether they rely on some apparently shared features. She further argues that groups like teams, committees, clubs, and bands have organizational structures, require collective intentionality, and allow members greater volition in joining or leaving a group, while groups like racial, gender, and ethnic groups do not exhibit such features. Additionally, individuals are categorized in the latter groups based on apparent features shared by members of that group, whereas members of the former groups are determined by carrying out particular roles. However, I believe that the last criterion is somewhat controversial, as Ritchie points out: “Alternatively, the feature of being assigned a particular status might be what makes one a member of some racial, gender, or sexual orientation group.” One might argue that the determining factor regarding gender is not common features (because there is no such thing) but the social status and social practices members are expected to engage in. According to this view, members of the latter groups are also determined by carrying out particular roles.