Family and Friends

What is socialization?

The process by which children learn behaviors, beliefs, and norms of their culture

When does socialization begin?

At birth and continues throughout life.

Why is the family important in socialization?

It is the primary context where children learn social norms and behaviours

What is the evolutionary perspective on socialization?

Social behaviours are biologically influenced and learned through observation

What is the learning perspective on socialization?

Behaviour is shaped by reinforcement, punishment, and modeling

What is the cognitive-developmental perspective?

Children actively interpret social interactions based on their cognitive abilities

What is a family?

A group providing care, support, and socialization (varies across cultures)

What is a nuclear family?

Parents and children living together

What are alternative family structures?

Single parents, same-sex parents, grandparents, stepfamilies.

How has family structure changed over time?

Increase in single-parent families and diverse family forms

Do different family structures affect children negatively?

Not necessarily — outcomes depend more on parenting quality

What factor is most important for child development in families?

Quality of relationships and caregiving

What are the four parenting styles?

Authoritative
Authoritarian
Permissive
Uninvolved

What is authoritative parenting?

High warmth + high control → best outcomes

What is authoritarian parenting?

High control + low warmth → obedience but lower self-esteem.

What is permissive parenting?

High warmth + low control → impulsive behaviour.

What is uninvolved parenting?

What is uninvolved parenting?

Which parenting style leads to the best outcomes?

Authoritative.

What traits are linked to authoritative parenting?

Self-reliance, social competence, confidence

What is maternal sensitivity?

Responsive, supportive caregiving

How do fathers differ (generally)?

More physically stimulating, less caregiving time

What is sibling rivalry?

Competition for parental attention

How do siblings influence development?

They shape social skills, competition, and cooperation

What is a birth order effect?

Older = leadership roles
Younger = less pressure

How do families influence culture?

They transmit societal values across generations

Do parenting expectations differ across cultures?

Yes — especially around independence and adolescence

What is child maltreatment?

Abuse or neglect that harms development

What factors increase risk?

Poverty, stress, substance abuse, family conflict

What are peers?

Individuals of similar age and developmental level.

How does peer preference change with age?

Children increasingly prefer peers over adults

What role do peers play in development?

Reinforce behaviour
Provide models
Shape identity
Teach social skills

What is play?

Voluntary activity done for enjoyment

What are the types of play?

Nonsocial → solitary
Parallel → beside others
Associative → loose interaction
Cooperative → organized group play

What is a friendship?

A mutual relationship based on care, affection, and support.

What factors influence friendships?

Proximity
Similarity
Age
Gender
Race/ethnicity

How do friendships change over time?

From simple play → deep emotional connections

What increases with age?

Self-disclosure and intimacy

What is the “rich-get-richer” hypothesis?

Socially skilled kids benefit more online.

What is the “social-compensation” hypothesis?

Socially anxious kids benefit more online

What is peer socialization?

Friends influencing each other’s behaviour

What is bullying?

Repeated aggression toward others

What are consequences of peer rejection?

Loneliness, depression, poor outcomes

What are the five peer status categories?

Popular
Rejected
Neglected
Average
Controversial

What characterizes popular children?

Social, confident, often leaders

What characterizes rejected children?

Aggressive or withdrawn, socially isolated

What happens to rejected children?

Higher risk of loneliness, dropout, and behavioural issues.

How are family and peer relationships connected?

Family relationships shape social skills used in peer interactions.

How does parenting affect peer relationships?

Supportive parenting → better social competence

Explain why authoritative parenting leads to better outcomes.

It balances control and warmth, promoting independence and confidence

Explain how peers influence development.

They shape behaviour, identity, and social skills through interaction

Explain why friendships become more important with age.

Children gain independence and rely more on peers for emotional support.

Explain how family structure impacts development.

Structure matters less than quality of relationships and support

Parenting styles:

Authoritative = BEST
Authoritarian = strict
Permissive = lenient
Uninvolved = absent

Peer status:

Popular = liked
Rejected = disliked
Neglected = ignored