Dominance bonding through the good old boys sociability group

Informed and illustrated by observational and interview data on two sample groups, a model of one particular form of male social groups was elaborated. Because of the characteristics of its members and its operating principle, the ideal type was labeled the Good Old Boys Sociability (GOBS) group. Members of GOBS groups share successful class and gender histories, and plan and engage in events that reflect dimensions of masculine play learned in boyhood. The GOBS group was found to perpetuate masculine identity and male privilege through dominance bonding, i.e., a process of collective alliance in which members affirm and reaffirm their superiority.