Sociology: Theories of Socialization and Social Interaction

Flashcards covering key sociological theorists of socialization, types of identity, primary versus secondary socialization, exchange theory, and rational choice exceptions.

Sigmund Freud

Theorist who divided human personality into three parts: Id, Superego, and Ego.

Jean Piaget

Theorist who believed that human development involves both biological maturation and gaining social experience.

Lawrence Kohlberg

Theorist who applied Jean Piaget's approach to stages of moral development.

Carol Gilligan

Theorist who found that gender plays an important part in moral development, with males relying more on abstract standards of rightness and females relying more on the effects of actions on relationships.

Looking-Glass Self

A term used by Charles Horton Cooley to explain that we see ourselves as we imagine others see us.

Erik H. Erikson

Theorist who identified challenges that individuals face at each stage of life from infancy to old age.

Ascribed Identity

A social position a person receives at birth or takes on involuntarily later in life.

Achieved Identity

A social position a person takes on voluntarily that reflects personal ability and effort.

Primary Socialization

The initial phase of socialization characterized as 'is becoming.'

Secondary Socialization

The ongoing phase of socialization characterized as 'continuing to be.'

Completion of Primary Socialization

Marked by two milestones: understanding how we can do stuff, and having a sense of identity.

Exchange Theory (Interaction Goal)

Theoretical perspective asserting that what people seek out of interaction is to maximize rewards.

Exceptions to the Rational Choice Axiom

Addiction and emotions, which lead to bad habits instead of rational decision-making.

Imagery of the Socialization Process

Refers to the idea that socialization is like learning a role and being shaped by society.