Sociological Explanations of Socialization

Flashcards for key vocabulary and concepts from the sociological explanations of socialization lecture.

Social Learning Theories

People learn new attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through social interaction, especially during childhood. Learning is both direct and indirect, resulting from reinforcement, observation, and imitation.

Reinforcement

Direct or indirect rewards or punishments for particular behaviors.

Symbolic Interaction Theories

Explains social development and is associated with sociologists Charles Horton Cooley, George Herbert Mead, and Erving Goffman.

Looking-Glass Self

A sense of self is acquired through interactions with others, especially by imagining how others view them. Our self-image is based on how we think others see us, developing in three stages: perception, interpretation, and response.

I

The creative, imaginative, impulsive, spontaneous, self-centered, and sometimes unpredictable aspect of the self.

Me

The socialized self, aware of other people’s attitudes, has self-control, and has internalized social roles.

Preparatory Stage

Infants don't distinguish between the self and others; learn through imitation.

Play Stage

Child begins to use language and understand that words have shared cultural meaning; learn role taking by emulating significant others and acting out imagined roles.

Game Stage

Involves acquiring the ability to understand connections between roles; children connect to societal roles through the generalized other.

Generalized Other

The norms, values, and expectations of society that affect a person's behavior.

Staging the Self in Everyday Life

Social life mirrors theater; we engage in 'role performances' to influence an audience to project the right image of ourselves.

Impression Management

Providing information and clues to others to present ourselves in a favorable light, generally concealing our less favorable characteristics.

Setting

Physical space or scene where the interaction takes place.

Appearance

Clothing and titles that convey information about our social status.

Manner

Mood or style of behavior we display that sends an important message.