sociology
heyman
chpt.3-Socialization4.pptx
Chpt. 3- Socialization
Socialization- the process of being taught (and learning) the culture.
-Produces conformity.
-A complex, lifelong process.
Internalization- when cultural demands(lessons) become part of the individual.
-This makes our behavior feel natural, though it is actually learned!
*Examples: clothing, nudity, manners(saying bless you), personal hygiene(brushing teeth), symbols and communication(language and gestures), etc.
(Socialization)
Where do our characteristics come from?
How do we become human beings? Boys and girls? Men and women? Individuals?
*Some possible answers:
1. Isolated Children- the cases of Anna(1938), Isabelle(1938) and Genie(1970).
*Children learn language through contact with others.
2. Institutionalized Children- often lack affection and stimulating interaction.
3. Feral Children- isolated from human contact at a very young age.
Nature(Biology) vs. Nurture(Environment /Social Contact)
For normal, human development children need:
1. Language
2. Stimulating Interaction
3. Intimate Physical Contact
4. Interaction with Peers
**In summary-It is SOCIETY that makes us human (we’re born with the genetics of Homo Sapiens, but we learn to become members of a society).
(Nature vs. Nurture continued)
What Is the Self?
-Our view of who we are.
-Also, the picture we have of how others see us.
Reflexive Thinking: To step outside of ourselves and view the self from another’s perspective.
1. Charles H. Cooley and the Looking Glass Self
-1864-1929
-Symbolic Interactionist
-Believed our sense of self develops through interactions with others (it’s socially constructed!).
Theories of Self Development
a. We imagine how we appear to those around us
-Traits like intelligence, attractiveness, kindness, reliability, etc.
b. We interpret others’ reactions (reflections from our social mirrors).
-We come to conclusions- are we liked or disliked for our traits?
c. We develop a self-concept.
-Feelings and ideas about ourselves.
(Cooley’s Looking Glass Self)
*This process isn’t necessarily based on accurate conclusions (what one perceives is key).
*An ongoing, lifelong process (the self is never a finished product).
*Cooley(1902)- “Each to each a looking glass, Reflects the other that doth pass.”
(Cooley’s Looking Glass Self)
2. George H. Mead: The Social Self
-1863-1931
-Symbolic Interactionist
-An active social reformer
-Social interaction is key in development of self (self awareness).
a. Taking the Role of the Other
-Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes (children can’t do this!).
-Anticipating how another may act/react.
-Beginning to see ourselves as others see us (reflexive thinking).
(Theories of Self Development)
b. Taking the Role of the Significant Other
-Someone who is significant in a child’s life.
-A child pretending to be mommy or daddy.
c. Taking the Role of the Generalized Other
-Internalizing the expectations of more and more people.
-Understanding how the group as a whole(the generalized other) thinks, feels, etc.
-Developed through games that involve teamwork.
(Mead’s Social Self)
3. Jean Piaget and the Development of Reasoning
-1896-1980
4. Sigmund Freud and the Development of Personality
-1856-1939
5. Lawrence Kohlberg and the Development of Morality
-1927-1987
(Theories of Self Development)
*People, groups, institutions and experiences that teach us about our culture.
1. Family- the center of children’s lives.
2. Religion- teaches morality and beliefs.
3. School(Education)- manifest and latent functions.
4. Peer groups- have interests, social positions and age in common.
5. Sports- teaches values.
6. Mass Media- impersonal communications directed to a vast audience.
Agents of Socialization
7. Workplace/Career Choice- influences one’s self –concept.
8. Life Events- graduation, marriage, divorce, death, disease, etc.
(Agents of Socialization)
*Cohort- a group of people born in the same time period (similar in age) thus sharing similar life experiences.
1. Economic/Occupational Opportunities
-Industrial Revolution, Great Depression, Baby Boomers, Recession of 2008, etc.
2. Political Stability/Instability
-Wars and peace
3. Before and After- what was life like before/after electricity, Prohibition, cars, computers, modern medicine, etc. ?
The Effect of the Cohort
A setting where people are isolated from society and controlled by those in charge (often an administrative staff).
*Examples: Prison, mental hospital, military, boarding school, convent, orphanage, etc.
Resocialization- being taught new norms, language, attitudes, behaviors, etc.
Degradation Ceremony- stripping away an individual’s identity and stamping a new one in its place.
Personal Identity Kit- items we use to decorate our bodies (often expressing individuality).
Total Institutions
“Not as Mean, Not as Lean, But Still a Marine”
(Total Institutions)
