Episode 2

In this episode of Survivor, we focus on the membership dynamics within each tribe. After spending a fair amount of time with each other, most of the members have begun to establish strong relationships with one another. Hunahpu (blue) and Coyopa (orange) both exhibited positive and negatives characteristics as members and as a tribe.

As in Chapter 3, I noticed how Schutz’s Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation (FIRO) Theory had played a part in the tribes. In his theory, Schutz explains that there should be a balance among three common needs that people search for within a group setting – inclusion, control, and affection. In this competition, I’ve already noted how there can be an imbalance that can impede members’ needs. For example, in the Coyopa Tribe, Val struggles to feel and be included in the tribe as a significant member. After the first challenge in episode 1, she was sent to Exile Island and lost important time that would have gone to group development. Due to this, Val was unable to begin create friendships and alliances as the others did. By the time she returned, her members had begun to establish themselves with one another. In the Hunahpu Tribe, John and Alec act as oversocial members where they try to bring attention to themselves.

The members within the tribes show aspects of the three categories – task roles, maintenance roles, and self-centered roles – Benne and Sheats Functional Group Roles. In the Coyopa Tribe, I noticed that Josh plays a strong part in the maintenance role. He tries his best to stand neutral with the tribe members, hoping to get along with each of them while also seeking his goal of winning by strategically eliminating select members.