Frequently Asked Questions - About Sociodrama and related questions

Sociometric methods have been developed over time, with the principle that the investigator is an active group member. Material generated from the group, belongs to the group members. Is not taken away by the researcher and managers to make decisions about the group. Sociometric interventions bring flexibility to systems and groups by investigating the choices with the people who make them, and displaying the patterns of relationships created by those choices. Stimulated by this information, group members create new patterns for themselves, and enhance authentic companionship and greater mutuality in the group. It brings to mind the principle that when human beings can see and measure what it is they are doing and are apart of, of their own accord, set about improving the situation.

The sociodramatist applies principles of sociometry, role theory, organisational theory and psychodramatic techniques to assist individuals to bring about effective group and inter group functioning. The sociodramatist produces interaction in groups of different sizes and configurations to identify the social concerns of the group and formulate a sociodramatic question, develop a dramatic portrayal of the social system, and makes an analysis. Group members develop their own new perceptions and new approaches are opened upfor the whoe group that lead to more open group norms and creative behaviour.

The sociodrama director enables a group and it's individuals to:

1. Explore in action the unique social and cultural forces from the past, present and future that impact on our every action in life;
2. Help individuals, groups and organisations to free themselves from restrictive values and belief systems that are transmitted through culture since birth;
3. Orient participants to those values and belief systems that assist in the creative expression of one's unique vitality in any group situation;
4. Unravel the social and cultural makeup of groups through analysis of sub groups, describing the value and expectation systems that are operating;
5. Have a purposeful exploration of the relationship between the self and the groups they belong to within society and the world;
6. Promote deep understanding and respect between cultures, groups and sub group;
7. Observe and analyse a social system in order to improve group, community, organisational and team development;
8. Learn effective metho ds in the resolution of conflict.

Sociodrama is the application of the methods of Dr J L Moreno (1889-1974) to address social and group issues. Sociodrama has applications in education, organisational and community settings. The premise of sociodrama is that all human growth and human functioning is powerfully influenced by wider social influences in our culture. A human being grows up in a social field that exerts enormous influence that may be largely beyond conscious awareness. All our lives we have been bombarded with belief systems, value systems and ideas about how life should work. These social and cultural forces have a powerful influence on our every day actions at home, in groups, at work at play, in silence, when alone or when in relationships and in all group situation. Sociodrama addresses these social and cultural forces whether in the world, our country, our communtiy, our work place, our family or even all together.