The group of individuals. Some remarks on the social psychology of differentiation and integration in groups

Using some basic ideas of the sociologist Norbert Elias the notion of diffe rentiation and integration is introduced. Under conditions of growing indiv idualism in an ethnic and cultural diverse society integration becomes a de manding task. Some relating basic concepts of Social Psychology and Group D ynamics are explored. Consequences of these ideas are discussed in two shor t case studies about non-therapeutical group work.