Sociology exam 2

Socialization

A process of social interaction by which people acquire the knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviors essential for effective participation in society. In other words, how we learn how to be active participants in society.

• As social beings, this is a process that continues throughout our entire life.

Agents of sociolization from the textbook

• Family

• Peers (friends and people of similar age or social status)

• Schools

• Workplaces

• Media

Nature V. Nurture

Scientists have frequently asked which factor, heredity (nature) or social environment (nurture), is more important in fashioning a particular trait.

• It used to be "nature OR nurture."

• Now, we are looking at how nature and nurture interact to produce behaviour. Ex Language

Self image vs. concept

Self image: a mental conception or picture that we have of ourselves that is relatively temporary; it changes from one context to another.

• Self conception: Layers of self-images typically build up overtime and contribute to a relatively stable self-conception; the "Real Me"

• A process by which we imaginatively assume the stance of other people and view ourselves as we believe others see us. • People shape their self-concepts based on their understanding of how others perceive them.

Social learning theory

We are socialized through positive and negative reinforcement by our parents, friends, and society and that we observe and imitate socialized behaviour around us.

• Conditioning (B.F. Skinner): the consequences of behaviour determine the probability of future occurrence.– Socialization occurs when a person's behaviour is shaped by reinforcement/punishment.

• Observational Learning (Albert Bandura) (modeling/imitation): occurs when people reproduce the responses they observe in other peoples either real or fictional.

Elements of hiphop culture

DJing/Turntablism

• Graffiti art/Street Art

• Emceeing/Rapping

• B-boying/B-girling

• Knowledge

What is conformity?

Powerful social pressures that operate in group settings

Why do people conform?

• Two main reasons why people conform:

– The desire to be "correct"

– The desire to be accepted.

Expressive Ties

Expressive ties: social links formed when we invest and commit emotionally.

Instrumental ties

Instrumental ties: social links formed when we cooperate with other people to achieve a goal.

Groupthink

A decision making process found in highly cohesive groups in which the members become so preoccupied with maintaining consensus that their own thought process is impaired.

• Members of the group demand conformity and pressure those who express doubts on proposed course of action

Primary groups

A small group characterized by intimate, informal interaction.

• Expressive ties predominant.

• Critical to socialization process.

• Serves as powerful instruments for social control.

Secondary groups

Two or more people who are involved in impersonal relationships coming together for a specific purpose.

• Instrumental ties predominant.

• Sometimes primary group relationships evolve from secondary group relationships.

In groups

In-groups is where we identify and to which we belong

– Provide us with our social identities

– "We groups"

Out groups

Out-groups is where we do not identify and to which we don't belong.

– Feelings such as pity, scorn, envy

– "They groups"

Reference groups

Social units we use for appraising and shaping attitudes, feelings, and actions.

• We evaluate ourselves and guide our behavior by group standard.

• Positive reference group/Negative reference group.

Group size

It influences the nature of interaction

• The smaller the group, the more opportunities individuals have to establish close ties.

• Dyads - two person groups; setting for most intense/influential relationships

• Triad - adding a third person fundamentally alters social situation by becoming a "outsider" or "intruder".

Difference between saliva and spit

There is a difference, but not chemical.

• The difference is socially constructed.

• Defined differently, depends on who/where behavior occurs.

Crime

Crime is an act of deviance that is prohibited by Law

• 6 types of crime– Hate, Index, Juvenile, White-collar, Victimless crime, Organized crime

Functions of deviant behavior

Because norms are not always clear, each time the members of a group disapprove some act of deviance, they highlight a norm. (Eg: Movie theater norms)

• By directing attention to the deviant, a group/group's norms may strengthen itself. (Eg: A student cheats on a test, then entire class finds out).

• A catalyst for change. (Eg: Challenging existing norms; outdated)

Formal sanctions

Formal sanctions: reactions of official agents of social control (e.g. the courts, academic systems that control cheating, workplace)

Informal sanctions

Informal sanctions: reactions to deviance that occur in small communities in groups of friends, and in the family.

Deviance

Deviance is any behavior that violates a norm.

• Cannot exist independently of norms.

• Behavior reflected by social definitions.– It is what people say it is.

Relativity of Deviance

Deviant acts vary from time to time, place to place, and group to group.

Social construction of reality

As social beings, we define what things are.

• In terms of deviance, we draw lines around behavior to separate deviant from normal, acceptable behavior.

• Put simply, deviance is socially defined behavior.

3 Main types of social control

Internalization of norms

• The structure of Social Experience

• Formal and Informal Sanctions.

Anomie theory

A social condition/situation where people find it difficult to guide their behavior by norms that they experience as weak, unclear, or conflicting.
Example: Pandemic (Covid-19)– Unclear norms: sneezing, coughing, wearing masks • Eg: Cheating in school

Cultural Transmission theory

Individuals become deviant to the extent to which they participate in settings where deviant ideas, motivations, and techniques are viewed favorably.

• Ex. Raving

Conflict theory

Deviance and crime are not about right or wrong. It is about who has the power to define what is right or wrong. • Rules and laws are made by those in power.

• Ex. Dress code; graffiti vs. street art vs. billboards; taking breaks at work.

Control theory

Does not try to explain why people deviate, but why people do not deviate; looks at conformity.

• Travis Hirschi: young people more likely to conform if their bond to society is strong.

• Attachment: involved in social relationships with others; "how close you are to people" • Involvement: Involved in conventional activities, "engaged in a lot of things"

• Commitment: strength of investment individuals have in social ties; "a lot to lose" • Belief: strength of beliefs in conventional values and ideas about morality "rules matter"

Labeling theory

Examines the processes where some individuals are

– Labeled as deviant

– Begin to think of themselves as a deviant

– Enter deviant careers. • Zootopia was used as a E.g

Different types of crime

Hate, Index, Juvenile, White-collar, Victimless crime, Organized crime

What are “the streets”?

“The streets” are public places where people gather and socialize, such as street corners, parks, bars, convenience stores, and vacant lots.

What is a major factor contributing to participation in street activities?

Chronic unemployment, along with poverty and limited job opportunities, contributes to participation in street activities.

Who is most prone to participate, what are they seeking, and when does it begin?

Marginalized lower- and working-class Black males are most prone to participate. They seek respect, recognition, and manhood, beginning during adolescence.

What are the three masculine roles in “the streets”?

• Tough Guy/Gangsta: Gains respect through toughness and intimidation.

• Player: Seeks recognition through sexual conquest.

• Hustler/Balla: Seeks money, possessions, and status through legal or illegal activities.

Why are “the streets” important?

They provide a sense of belonging, identity, and respect for marginalized Black males who face limited opportunities in traditional institutions.

Old street game

Emphasizes traditional street values, such as toughness, reputation, personal respect, and handling conflicts face-to-face.

New street game

Places greater emphasis on money, material possessions, status, and displaying success, often associated with hustling and a more commercialized street culture.