17. Socialization, Control, and Deviance

Socialization

The process through which individuals acquire and internalize the norms, values, beliefs, skills, and attitudes of a society or culture.

Primary Socialization

Early learning of social norms, values, behaviors, and expectations, primarily through family and community.

Secondary Socialization

Continued learning of social roles, norms, and behaviors through institutions such as school, work, and other social settings.

Desocialization

The process of unlearning previously held norms, behaviors, and roles.

Resocialization

The process of learning new norms, behaviors, and roles to adapt to a new environment or social role.

Social Control

Mechanisms and processes employed by society to encourage conformity to social norms, values, and expectations.

Positive Social Control

Involves rewarding, praising, or encouraging individuals who follow accepted social norms.

Negative Social Control

Involves punishing, discouraging, or regulating behaviors that violate accepted social norms.

Social Deviance

Behavior, beliefs, or actions that depart from or violate accepted social norms and standards.

Control Theory

Travis Hirschi's theory that deviance is more likely when social bonds such as attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief are weak, reducing social control.

Attachment

A social bond involving emotional connection and concern for others that discourages deviant behavior.

Commitment

A social bond involving investment in conventional goals and activities that makes deviance more costly.

Involvement

A social bond involving participation in conventional activities that limits opportunities for deviance.

Belief

A social bond involving acceptance of society's norms and rules, which discourages deviance.

Labeling Theory

Howard Becker's theory that society's reaction to behavior helps define it as deviant, and being labeled deviant can influence future behavior.

Strain Theory

Robert Merton's theory that deviance can result from a gap between culturally valued goals and the legitimate means available to achieve them.

Cultural Goals

Socially valued objectives that individuals are encouraged to pursue, such as success or wealth.

Legitimate Means

The socially approved methods and opportunities available for achieving culturally valued goals.