Sociology U5

Sociology

The continuing process whereby individuals acquire personal identities and learn the norms, values, behaviors, and social norms appropriate to their social position.

Nature: genetic(heredity) and biological factors that influence personality (ex. instinct)

Nurture: environmental influences that shape personality

Feral Children

Children who have grown up with little or no human contact; research on this topic predominantly supports the “Nurture” side of the Nature v. Nurture debate

Personality

The sum total of behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values characteristic of an individual.

• According to research, personality traits change at a slower rate once people reach adulthood.

• Main factors that influence personality: Heredity, Birth order, Parental Characteristics, & Cultural Environment

How can parenting styles influence personality traits in children?

Parenting styles shape how kids act, think, and handle situations. For example, strict parents can lead to kids being obedient but less confident, while supportive parents often raise more independent and confident kids. The way parents treat and guide their children strongly affects their personality over time.

Agents of Socialization: describes the specific individuals, groups, and institutions that enable socialization to take place

includes:

1. Family: The family is the primary and most influential agent of socialization, teaching children values, norms, beliefs, and behaviors from birth.

2. Peer Groups: A peer group is made up of people who are similar in age and social status and who share interests. Important in adolescence and finding self identity.

3. School: Students are not in school only to study math, reading, science, and other subjects(the manifest function of this system). Schools also serve a latent function in society by socializing children into behaviors.

4. Mass Media: Spreads cultural values + norms, Shapes attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, and exposes people to new ideas + perspectives

Intended socialization: deliberate and purposeful teaching of norms, values, or behaviors.

Unintended socialization: learning that happens without planning or explicit teaching, often by observing others.

Adolescence: the period between the normal onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood.

Puberty: the physical maturing that makes an individual capable of sexual reproduction.

Factors that led to adolescence as a distinct life stage (education, juvenile justice system, child labor laws)

Mandatory Education until 16, Exclusion of Youth from the Labor Force, and Development of the Juvenile Justice System

The Tabula Rasa Theory (John Locke)

Humans are born as "blank slates" to be written upon by experience

The Looking Glass Self (Charles Horton Cooley)

People develop their self-concept based on how they think others perceive them

Role Taking Theory George Herbert Mead) - using others’ actions as a guide for our own

In Mead’s theory: The "I" is the unsocialized, spontaneous, self-interested component of personality and self-identity. The "Me" is the part of yourself that is aware of the expectations and attitudes of society–the socialized self. The “self” is your conscious awareness of possessing a distinct identity that separates you and your environment from other members of society.

Resocialization: Involves a break with past experiences and the learning of new values and norms.

Total Institution: A setting in which people are isolated from the rest of society for a set period of time and are subject to tight control.

What caused the shift between courtship and dating in American society?

During the Industrial Revolution, many people moved away from farms and into the cities. As a result, young adults became less dependent on their parents for economic security. They could seek employment away from the family farm and establish their own households independent of their parents’ assistance. This economic freedom reduced parental control over courtship and set the stage for the development of dating.

Functions of Dating

1. Dating is a form of entertainment.

2. Dating is a mechanism for socialization.

3. Dating fulfills certain basic psychological needs such as conversation, companionship, and understanding.

4. Dating helps individuals attain status.

5. In the later stages of dating, spouse selection becomes an important issue.

Categories of later-adulthood

Young-Old (65–74): Typically active, independent, and healthy; Often recently retired but still socially and physically engaged. More likely to travel, volunteer, or work part-time.

Middle-Old (75–84): Increasing physical changes and chronic conditions; May require some assistance with daily tasks.

Old-Old (85+): Highest likelihood of health challenges and dependency; Greater need for caregiving, medical support, or assisted living`

Gerontology: The scientific study of the processes and phenomena of aging.

Labor Force: Consists of all individuals age 16 and older who are employed in paid positions or who are seeking paid employment.

Significant Others: People who have a direct influence on our socialization

Generalized Other: The internalized attitudes, expectations, and viewpoints of society

FRQ: Using the functionalist perspective, explain how social institutions (like family, school, and religion) contribute to the stability of of society by socializing individuals. How does this perspective view the purpose of socialization?

Social institutions like family, school, and religion help keep society stable by teaching people shared values, norms, and behaviors. For example, schools teach discipline and responsibility, while families teach basic social skills and morals. From a functionalist view, the purpose of socialization is to create order and make sure people can work together in society.

The theory of the Looking Glass Self states that?

Sense of self is shaped by how we believe others perceive us.

True or False: The “I” and the “Me” are a part of Charles Horton Cooley’s Looking-Glass Self theory.

False

True or False: Courtship differs from dating in that the rules are looser and the intentions are undefined.

False

Levinson’s “Seasons of Life”

1. Early Adult Transition: Finding identity, leaving home, beginning independent adult roles.

2. Entering the Adult World: Explore relationships and jobs; establish stability.

3. Age 30 Transition: Looking back on previous choices & reevaluating commitments.

4. Settling Down Period: Building stability, deepening commitments, advancing career and relationships.

5. Midlife Transition: Questioning direction, confronting aging, seeking renewed life purpose.

True or False: The unemployment rate includes Americans who are NOT actively seeking a job.

False