As group size increases, how does stability and intimacy change?

As group size increases, it typically results in more stability and less intimacy. In smaller groups, members have stronger interpersonal relationships, which fosters intimacy. Each member's contributions are more significant and closely felt, leading to a deeper understanding and connection among individuals. This smaller group size also allows for more effective communication and cohesion, which are key to developing intimacy.

However, as groups grow larger, the dynamics change. Stability is enhanced with more members because the group can distribute roles and responsibilities more effectively, making it less vulnerable to disruption from the loss of any one member. Larger groups often have established systems and structures, which provide stability in terms of organization and function.

On the other hand, intimacy tends to decrease in larger groups. Individual members often feel more anonymous and less connected, as they may not develop close personal relationships due to the sheer number of people. The communication within the group can become more impersonal, leading to superficial interactions compared to the deeper connections possible in smaller groups.

Thus, while stability increases due to the diversity and distribution of roles in a larger group, intimacy typically diminishes as personal relationships and close-knit bonds become harder to maintain.