uAlberta SOC 100 | Socialization, Interaction, Groups, Social Structure

Socialization (Microsociological Perspective)

The process of how we define ourselves relative to others; the way we receive our beliefs and values in a culture or society.

Socialization (Macrosociological Perspective)

The process of how culture is transmitted from one generation to the next for the betterment of society.

Isabelle (Feral Child)

A cruel case study of a young girl raised in total isolation who never underwent socialization.

In her seclusion, the girl was left function as if she were still an infant.

Parents play a large role in a child’s development.

Harlow’s Monkey Experiment

An experiment conducted to verify whether or not a child seeks a guardian for nourishment or warmth.

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The experiment consists of primates taken away from their mothers at birth. The primates were then allocated to surrogate mothers.

• One group would be raised by a “cloth” mother, providing warmth but no nourishment.

• One group would be raised by a “wire” mother providing nourishment but lacking warmth.

When the subjects were subjected to stressful stimuli, the children retreated to the cloth mother.

Sociobiology

The systematic study of biological bases for social behaviour.

Had a major influence over eugenics.

2-Spirit Identity [Textbook]

An example describing the struggles of a subsection of the indigenous community who do not conform to western gender norms.

Often ostracized by both their traditional communities and Christian groups imposed against them since colonization (and even after decolonization.)

[Chapter 4 Opener. Pg. 67-68]

Charles Horton Cooley

An Interactionist (Social Psychological) sociological theorist who conceptualized the Looking-Glass Self. They argued that other we shape our beliefs and values based on how others perceive us.

Looking-Glass Self

An Interactionist (Social Psychological) theory devised by Cooley, that describes how individuals are socialized based on how they perceive themselves relative to others.

Form Sense of Self	How do we view ourselves?
Perceptions Through Others	How do others see us?
Interpreted Incorporation	How do we internalize our social interactions?

Form Sense of Self

The first stage of Cooley’s Looking-Glass Self. Describes how individuals learn to imagine an image of themselves.

“How do we view ourselves?”

Perceptions Through Others

The second stage of Cooley’s Looking-Glass Self. Describes how individuals view themselves through a third-party perspective.

Often incorporates aspects of culture, folkways, or mores.

“How do others see us?”

Interpreted Incorporation

The third stage of Cooley’s Looking-Glass Self. Describes how individuals form the self as a product of social interactions with other people.

“How do we internalize our social interactions?”

George Herbert Mead

An Interactionist (Social Psychological) sociological theorist who was essentially the spiritual successor to Cooley’s work. He developed a three part framework for how the self emerges.

1. Preparatory Stage

2. Play Stage

3. Game Stage

Stages of the Self

An Interactionist (Social Psychological) theory developed by Mead. He theorized that people ultimately follow phases of socialization which start by:

1. Mimicking and imitating those around them.

2. Taking on social roles.

3. Managing their social roles.

Preparatory Stage

The first stage under Mead’s Stages of the Self. He describes how young children will mimic and imitate those around them.

Play Stage

The second stage under Mead’s Stages of the Self. He argues that as kids get older, they learn symbols which contribute to their understanding of society.

As they learn more symbols, they are able to take on more roles.

Role-Taking

The process of assuming the perspective of another.

(Note, this “another” can mean a person or a more general social position.)

Symbols

The gestures, objects, and language that form the basis of human communication.

Game Stage

The third stage under Mead’s Stages of the Self. He describes the phenomenon in which the individual is capable of managing their different social roles.

• They are fully aware of the responsibilities therein.

Generalized Other

A concept created by Mead.

The attitudes, viewpoints, and expectations of society as a whole.

Erving Goffman

An Interactionist (Social Psychological) sociological theorist who devised the Presentation of the Self, also known as the Dramaturgical Approach.

Presentation of the Self (Dramaturgical Approach)

An Interactionist (Social Psychological) theory developed by Goffman. In it, he outlines how individual behaviour is governed by the audience someone is surrounded by.

Through use of Impression Management and Face-work he draws parallels between the social world and theatre; a never-ending play with the individual as the main character.

Impression Management

A concept created by Goffman which describes the tendency for people to alter their behaviour to satisfy certain audiences.

Face-work

A concept coined by Goffman, quite literally the process to save face in front of others.

Students After Exams [Textbook]

An example that applies Goffman’s Dramaturgical Approach. The study approaches how students react differently depending on the grades they earned and the grades that others have earned. Thus applying his concept of Impression Management.

[Research Today 4-1. Pg 73]

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Researchers devised two particular groups:

• Ace(s): Individuals who performed well on the exam.

• Bomber(s): Individuals who performed terribly on the exam.

Researchers highlighted the following interactions between the groups:

1. Ace-Ace Encounters: The individuals share comfort and solidarity with other high-achievers. Some instance of bragging is relatively common here. “It’s much easier to admit a high mark to someone who has done better than you, or at least as well.”

2. Ace-Bomber Encounters: A more socially-sensitive encounter where Aces appear more humble and Bombers present themselves as gracious and congratulatory.

3. Bomber-Bomber Encounters: An open discussion amongst peers; a “pity party.”

Studied Non-Observance

A concept in Goffman’s Dramaturgical Approach which describes how people deliberately ignore a flawed performance to “keep the show going.”

Jana’s Last Recital

The lecturer’s personal experience which demonstrates Studied Non-Observance in her childhood piano performance. Having blanked out in the middle of the song, she repeated a section over and over again. Despite this critical failure, the audience still clapped in the end.

Feminist Perspective on Socialization

A macrosociological perspective on Socialization in which masculine and feminine gender norms are socialized by key social institutions like:

• Family

• Peers

• School

• Workplace

• Other individuals

Functionalist Perspective on Socialization

A macrosociological perspective on Socialization in which society’s stability and equilibrium is maintained by a social consensus of values and beliefs.

• This perspective views any disruption to socialization or the status quo as disruptive to all of society.

Conflict Perspective on Socialization

A macrosociological perspective on Socialization whereby the dominant ideology is created by the affluent as a tool to control the masses.

• E.g.: Individuals are socialized to believe that inequality is normal.

Settlement of Syrian Refugees [Textbook]

An example of the struggles of reintegration and dissonance between an individual’s sense of identity with their heritage versus Canadian culture.

[Sociology in the Global Community 4-2. Pg 76-77]

Family (Socialization)

The first, primary agent of socialization.

• Shapes an individual’s personality and sense of self.

• Dictate our social class, cultural influences, and first impressions of race.

  • They are the primary drivers for gender socialization.

School (Socialization)

An agent of socialization.

• They teach children society’s values and customs.

• Expose individuals to diversity.

• Establishes a respect for authority and hierarchy.

• Reinforces gender roles.

Peer Groups (Socialization)

An agent of socialization.

• As children grow older, this groups assumes a more significant role in a persons life (even moreso than the family.)

E.g.: Young boys are more likely to associate themselves with other large groups of guys while young girls will prefer more close-knit one-on-one friends.

Secret Life of Boys [Class Viewing]

A film presented in class on how gender roles are reinforced by agents of socialization.

Some key takeaways discussed by the film were:

• Boys are more likely to hide their true feelings and mask over it through disruptive behaviour.

• Boys are taught by their parents that expressing emotion is not masculine.

  • On the other hand, girls are told to tell their parents whenever something’s wrong.

• Boys will open up their feelings when they are pulled away from their peers and other people they want to impress.

Mass Media (Socialization)

An agent of socialization comprised of movies, TV, music, the internet, etc.

MissRepresentation [Class Viewing]

A film presented in class discussing how girls are socialized to determine their value based on how they look.

Workplace (Socialization)

An agent of socialization concerned with the occupational setting.

Further divided into 4 phases:

1. Career Choice

2. Anticipatory Socialization

3. Conditioning

4. Continuous Commitment

C. A. C. C.

Career Choice (Workplace Socialization)

The 1st phase under workplace socialization. The decision of academic or vocational training to attain a desired job.

• Often determined through social forces like parental pressure or cultural values.

Anticipatory Socialization (Workplace Socialization)

The 2nd phase of workplace socialization. The phenomenon in which individuals will research, mimic, and imitate the roles of a desired job.

Conditioning (Workplace Socialization)

The 3rd phase of workplace socialization. The active process of training and learning the ropes of a certain occupation.

Continuous Commitment (Workplace Socialization)

The 4th (and final) phase of workplace socialization. The culmination of acceptance and satisfaction as a result of an individual’s success in the workplace.

The State / Government (Socialization)

An agent of socialization that usurped the protective functions of the Family. Has the power to regulate and enforce traditional functions or rites of passage.

Disengagement Theory

A functionalist theory in gerontology.

Describes the tendency for older individuals to:

• Withdraw from different relationships that are not one’s immediate family.

• Pass social roles from one generation to another.

• Drop their social responsibilities in the face of death.

Jana’s Annual Hunting Trip

An example derived from the lecturer’s personal experience which embodies Disengagement Theory. She describes how a retired English teacher sees himself as redundant in the group due to his age; he is unable to carry out the same functions expected of him when he was younger.

Activity Theory

An Interactionist theory in Gerontology. Often associated with opposing Disengagement Theory.

Describes how:

• The elderly who refuse to disengage from society will be better adjusted.

Age Inequality Theory

A Conflict theory in Gerontology.

This theory argues that because the aging population can no longer serve society as a means of production, society will discard them the moment they are no longer useful.

Androcentricity (Theory)

A Feminist theory in Gerontology.

Formed as a criticism of the other mainstream theories, emphasizing how:

• Current theories focus solely on the struggle of the male life course.

• There is a lack of diversity in identifying central issues relevant to a woman’s life.

In Gerontology specifically, the effects of anti-aging culture is especially severe against women.

Feminization of Poverty

A concept describing a global phenomena where women are disproportionately becoming a greater number of the impoverished population.

Resocialization

The process of transitioning one’s behaviours, values, and roles to a different stage in life.

• Can be voluntary or involuntary.

E.g.: Divorcees, Prisoners released, transgender people.

Total Institutions

A concept founded by Goffman which describes a social institution that degrades individuality and socializes the person under a single authority.

He outlined 4 distinct characteristics:

1. All aspects of life are controlled by a single central authority.

2. A regimented schedule is determined and conducted with others.

3. Rules, activities, and schedules have little to no input from the participants.

4. Individuality and reinforced by degradation ceremonies.

Degradation Ceremony

A concept linked to Goffman’s Total Institutions that describes a ritual intended to tear down a person’s individuality and assimilate them into an overbearing — often collective — social environment.

Welfare Network Ikebukuro Honcho [Textbook]

An example of the vulnerability of single-person elderly households and the indicator of an aging global society. This Japanese organization monitors the tea kettles of households where elderly citizens reside to see if they have made their morning tea.

[Sociology in the Global Community 4-3. Pg 83-84]

Cost of Childcare [Textbook]

The rise of single-parent families, better opportunities for women and increased living costs has induced extreme demand for childcare.

• In Canada, there are long waitlists for childcare and the costs are astronomical.

  • Poorest families spend 25% of their income on preschool childcare.

    • Whereas families with some degree of wealth only spend ~6% of income on average.

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• In Toronto, there are 37 000 licensed childcare availabilities but three times more children.

  • Costs for infants: $1758 per month

  • Costs for young children: $1212 per month

• In Quebec, (where childcare is subsidized) costs for childcare are cheaper at $7.75-$21.20 per day.'

• Childcare enrolment (of kids under 6-yrs. old) across the nation sits at under 40%.

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Possible solutions include:

1. Public-Private partnerships for subsidized childcare; benefits both sides as parents can more effectively participate in the labour force.

2. In Denmark, all children older than 6 months are provided a spot in public childcare.

3. In Sweden, municipalities must provide 15 hours of childcare to children a week.

Stanford Prison Experiment

An example of an experiment conducted by Social Psychologist Philip Zimbardo where a mock-prison was created solely to see how a social status as a prison guard or inmate could turn every-day college students into cruel people.

Ascribed Status

A status imposed on an individual at birth or by existing.

Achieved Status

A status earned off of merit or achievement.

Master Status

A status that dominates all other statuses; something that determines an individual’s ultimate position in society.

E.g. homelessness, disabled individuals.

Role Conflict

A concept whereby incompatible expectations from two (or more) social roles contradicts one another.

Role Strain

A concept that whereby difficulties from one role is causing stress from its demands and expectations.

Role Exit

A process of withdrawing from a central role in order to establish a new role/identity.

Often follows a 4-step process:

1. Doubt: Motivation arises from dissatisfaction or strain.

2. Search for Alternatives: Exploration or research of “a way out.”

3. Action Stage: Process of acquiring the new identity.

4. Creation of a New Identity: Attainment of a new role; new expectations and responsibilitie.s

Primary Groups

A type of group characterized by daily intimate face-to-face interaction or cooperation.

E.g.: Family, close friends.

Secondary Groups

A type of group characterized by a formal organization with little social intimacy or mutual understanding.

E.g.: Classmates in lectures, workplace colleagues.

In-Groups

A group categorization where membership in that group evokes a sense of belonging.

Out-Groups

A group categorization where membership in that group stokes a sentiment of being an outsider.

Reference Group

A group classification which is held as the “gold standard” to which its values and beliefs serve as a comparison.

Coalition

A group classification defined by a temporary or permanent alliance geared towards a common good.

Disability as a Master Status [Textbook]

An example of how the master status of disabled individuals has ended in widespread discrimination and stigma across the world.

• In Alberta, 2800 individuals deemed “mentally unfit” were sterilized from 1928 to 1972.

• In Japan, 16 000 women with disabilities were sanctioned for sterilization by the government between 1945 and 1995.

[Sociology in the Global Community 5-1. Pg 96]

Functionalist Perspective on Social Institutions

This sociological perspective believes that social institutions has 5 majors tasks:

• Replacing Personnel: Ensure sufficient population.

• Teaching New Recruits: Providing an education; socialization.

• Producing/Distributing Goods & Services: Maintaining the economic system.

• Preserving Order: Provide safety, security, law & order.

• Providing/Maintaining a Sense of Purpose: Beliefs and philosophies (churches, religion, etc.)

Conflict Perspective on Social Institutions

This sociological perspective believes that institutions serve to maintain the status quo to benefit the rich and powerful — at the cost of the weak and poor.

Feminist Perspective on Social Institutions

This sociological perspective criticizes how social institutions perpetuate gendered environments that drive gender inequality.

Interactionist Perspective on Social Institutions

This sociological perspective argues that social institutions dictate everyday behaviour. Conditioned by the roles and statuses in institutions one belongs to or to which one operates in.

Mechanical Solidarity

A concept as part of Durkheim’s Classical Theory in that Social Structure is characterized by minimal division of labor and high group solidarity. There is not much instances of differentiation.

E.g.: Hunter-Gatherer Societies.

Organic Solidarity

A concept as part of Durkheim’s Classical Theory in that Social Structure is characterized by specialization and interdependence among its members.

E.g.: Industrialized societies.

Gemeinschaft

A concept described by Tönnies as a small, typically rural community where members share similar backgrounds and life experiences.

Emphasis on ascribed statuses.

Gesellschaft

A concept described by Tönnies as a large, often urban community characterized by impersonality and the domination of self-interest.

Emphasis on achieved statuses.

The Sociocultural Approach

A theory created by Gerhard Lenski who linked technological advancement with the advancement of society.

He highlighted six distinct stages each with a different level of technological advancement:

1. Pre-Industrial Socieities

2. Horticultural Societies

3. Agrarian Societies

4. Industrial Societies

5. Post-Industrial Societies

6. Postmodern Societies

Pre-Industrial Societies

A stage in Lenski’s Sociocultural Approach, he described these small societies as technologically basic, rudimentary peoples with a nomadic lifestyle.

Horticultural Societies

A stage in Lenski’s Sociocultural Approach, he described these agricultural societies as a prominent shift from the previous nomadic people.

The start of land and wealth accumulation.

Agrarian Societies

A stage in Lenski’s Sociocultural Approach that’s essentially an advancement of a Horticultural Society. Characterized by the emphasis on food production, advancement of farming equipment and domestication of livestock.

At this point the abundance of resources and wealth establishes the notion of a State and social hierarchy.

Industrial Societies

A stage in Lenski’s Sociocultural Approach mainly focused on the mechanization of the production of goods and services. These societies are incredibly reliant on inventions and energy sources.

Furthermore, the State assumes greater responsibility than the Family. Other consequences of this development stage is:

• Urbanization

• Stratification

• Increased crime rates

• Inequality

Post-Industrial Society

A stage in Lenski’s Sociocultural Approach which describes the domination of the economic system engaged in the processing and control of information.

Denoted by a shift from Industry to a Service economy.

Postmodern Society

The final Stage in Lenski’s Sociocultural Approach whereby a society fully realizes sophisticated technology and the ascension of globalization.

By this point, consumerism and rampant media consumption has consumed the society.

Max Weber

A sociological theorist who is primarily known for outlining the ideal type of bureaucracy.

Ideal Type of Bureaucracy

A concept derived from Weber’s works where he identified five key characteristics of an efficient organization:

1. Division of Labor

2. Hierarchy of Authority

3. Written Rules and Regulations

4. Impersonality

5. Employment based on Technical Qualifications

Division of Labour

A concept in Weber’s Ideal Type of Bureaucracy where specialized experts perform specific tasks.

• Individuals may experience feelings of Alienation.

• An organizational failure manifests as Trained Incapacity.

Alienation

A consequence of the Division of Labor in Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy, where an individual becomes estranged by the organization or society as a whole.

Trained Incapacity

A consequence of the Division of Labor in Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy described as a phenomenon where people become specialized to the point of becoming blind to obvious issues with the organization.

Hierarchy of Authority

A concept in Weber’s Ideal Type of Bureaucracy that demands a top-down structure where power is delineated to supervisors and so forth.

• Individuals may feel like they have little voice in decision-making.

• Organizations as a whole may conduct themselves shadily with a shared responsibility across multiple people; “I was just following orders.”

Written Rules & Regulations

A concept in Weber’s Ideal Type of Bureaucracy that defines standard codes of conduct and clear expectations for performance.

• Individuals may feel imaginatively oppressed and creative, out-of-the-box thinking is restricted.

• Organizations may encounter Goal Displacement.

Goal Displacement

A consequence of the Written Rules & Regulations in Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy.

Described by Robert Merton as the overzealous conformity to official regulations to the detriment of the organization’s purpose.

Impersonality

A concept in Weber’s Ideal Type of Bureaucracy where he argues that organizations must be “free from hatred or passion.”

• Contributes to alienation.

• Actively discourages loyalty to the organization.

Employment Based on Technical Qualifications

A concept in Weber’s Ideal Type of Bureaucracy describing the processes of promotion and hiring through meritocratic ideals.

• Discourages individuals from improving themselves beyond the workplace.

• Fosters the Peter Principle

Peter Principle

A consequence of Employment Based on Technical Qualifications in Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy.

This is the idea that individuals will be promoted up to the level of their incompetency, thereby stunting the organization.

Iron Law of Oligarchy

A phenomenon whereby democratic organizations will bureaucratically devolve into an oligarchy.

E.g.: The Eugenics Board of Alberta and its 4 board members effectively controlled by one uAlberta chairman.

Scientific Management Approach to Bureaucratization

A classical theory on how workers are motivated purely for their own economic benefit.

Human Relations Approach to Bureaucratization

A contemporary theory on how the happiness of the worker (comprised of participation, personal circumstances etc.) directly produces productivity.