W4 Socialization

Socialization

The lifelong process through which people learn about themselves and their various roles within society.

Self-concept

An individual's sense of who they are based on perceived similarities and differences from others.

Personal identities

The ways we consider ourselves to be unique individuals.

Social identities

Who we are in terms of the social groups we identify with.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate regarding whether human behavior is determined primarily by genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).

Epigenetics

Mechanisms that can influence gene expression through behaviors and environmental factors.

Twin studies

Research that uses twins to understand the effects of nature versus nurture on human behavior.

Looking Glass Self

A concept proposed by Cooley describing how our self-perception is shaped by the perceived views of others.

Agents of socialization

Groups, social institutions, and social settings that have a significant influence on developing self.

Primary socialization

The earliest form of socialization, which begins at birth and focuses on early informational and emotional development.

Gender factory

Concept describing how families produce and reinforce gender expectations.

Role conflict

A situation in which incompatible role demands exist as a result of having two or more statuses.

Role strain

Incompatibility of demands within a single status.

Resocialization

The process of radically altering one's identity by giving up an existing status in exchange for a new one.

Master status

The most influential status in a person's status set, often affecting how they are perceived.

Looking Glass Self-Orientation (LGSO)

A tendency to depend more on how others perceive us for our self-image.

Functionalism

A sociological perspective that views society as a complex system with interdependent parts that work together.

Anomie

A state of normlessness that suggests a breakdown of social norms and values.

Symbolic Interactionism

A sociological perspective that focuses on how individuals create meaning through social interactions.

Achieved status

A social position that individuals acquire through their own actions.

Ascribed status

A social position inherited at birth or acquired involuntarily.

Hidden curriculum

The implicit values, beliefs, and norms taught in educational settings.