Socialisation and The Life Course

Define the life course

The stages into which our lifespan is divided

List the stages of the life course

1. Childhood

2. Adolescence

3. Adulthood

4. Old age

Explain childhood in terms of the life course

• biological reality and a social costruct

• defined as the stage where the child is free from responsibilities of adults

• It is hoped that at the end of this stage that children have developed a level of maturity and self-esteem.

List and explain the factors that influence how we conceptualise childhood

1. The State - our image of childhood is impacted by the state’s provision of education, care and welfare.

2. The Church - teaches the role children play in these institutions

3. The media - shapes society’s image of childhood

4. Children - children influence their own role and position in society through increasing consultation and prominence

Explain adolescence in terms of the life course

• stage of life between childhood and adulthood

• provides an opportunity for more socialisation

• can be difficult for teenagers to socialise as they struggle to develop identities seperate from their parents

Explain Adulthood in terms of the life course

• most accomplishements occur in this stage.

• most people begin careers, start families etc.

Explain old age in terms of the life course

• the final stage of life

• social and cultural construct

• norms associated with old age vary over time and in different socio-cultural contexts

• people in this stage may start to depend on others due to poor health

• historical constructs of ageing have been influenced by the economic needs in a society

Define re-socialisation

the type of socialisation which involves confinement in setttings in which people are isolated from the rest of society and supported by administrative staff

Give two examples of total institutions

Jails, Psychiatric facilities

Explain the goals of Re-socialisation

1. Erode the inmates personality and self-autonomy 

2. Build a ‘new self’ for the inmate through a system of rewards and punishments