SOC - Chapter 04

Socialization

The lifelong process through which people learn culture and become functioning members of society

Purpose for socialization

1. Establishes social identity

2. Teaches us role taking

3. Controls our behavior

Internalization

The process of learning cultural behaviors and expectations so deeply that we accept them without question

Nature

Human development is innate, biological, physiological, due large to heredity, and fairly fixed

Nurture

Human development is learned, psychological, social, cultural, due largely to environment, fairly changeable

Social Learning Theories

People learn new attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through social interaction

Role model

People we admire and whose behavior we imitate

Self

Awareness of one’s social identity

Looking-glass self

A self-image based on how we think others perceive us

Role-taking

Learning to take the perspective of others

Significant other

Someone whose opinions we value and who influences our thinking, especially ourselves

Generalized other

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

Impression management

Providing information and cues to others to present oneself in a favorable light while downplaying or concealing oen’s less appealing characteristics

Anticipatory socialization

Learning how to perform a role that a person will occupy in the future

Reference groups

People who shape an individual’s self-image, behavior, values, and attitudes in different contexts

Symbolic Interaction Theories

The self emerges through social interaction with significant others, socialization includes role taking and controlling the impression we give to others

Socialization Agents

The individuals, groups, or institutions that teach us how to participate effectively in society

Authoritarian

Demanding, controlling, punitive

Authoritative

Demanding, controlling, warm, supportive

Permissive

Not demanding, warm, indulgent, set few rules

Uninvolved

Neither supportive nor controlling

Multigenerational households

Homes in which three or more generations live together

Peer group

People who are similar in age, social status, and interests

Resocialization

Unlearning old ways of doing things and adopting new attitudes, values, norms, and behavior

Total institution

Isolated and enclosed social systems that control most aspects of the participants lives