Chapter 5-7 Sociology

Socialization

The process through which people learn societal norms, expectations, and values to become proficient members of society.

Types of Socialization

The different categories that influence socialization, including biological, psychological, and sociological factors.

Sigmund Freud's Theory of Self-Development

Belief that personality develops through a series of childhood stages focusing on specific erogenous areas.

Erik Erickson's Eight Stages of Development

Theory that personality develops throughout a person’s lifetime, with each stage presenting a conflict to resolve.

Jean Piaget

Psychologist who emphasized the role of social interactions in child development, identifying stages of cognitive development.

George Herbert Mead's Theory of Self

The concept where an individual develops a self through social interactions, viewing oneself through others' perspectives.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

A theory outlining how individuals develop moral reasoning through preconventional, conventional, and postconventional stages.

Gilligan's Theory of Moral Development

Acknowledges that boys typically base morality on justice while girls focus on care and relationships.

Nature vs Nurture

The debate concerning the relative importance of genetics versus environmental factors in human development.

Agents of Socialization

Entities that influence socialization, including family, peers, school, mass media, and religion.

Resocialization

The process in which old behaviors that were helpful in a previous role are removed, and new relevant behaviors take their place.

Degradation Ceremony

Public attempts to alter an individual's identity and status within a group.

Group

A collection of at least two people who interact with some frequency and share a sense of aligned identity.

In-group

A group that a person belongs to and identifies with.

Reference Group

Groups to which individuals compare themselves, providing standards for evaluating behavior or attitudes.

Dyad

A two-member group that can be unstable because if one member leaves, the group ceases to exist.

Triad

A three-member group that can continue to exist even if one member leaves.

Leadership Styles

The methods used by leaders to motivate and direct group members, including democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-faire styles.

Conformity

The extent to which individuals comply with societal norms and group expectations.

Deviance

Behavior that violates cultural or social norms; context-dependent and subject to interpretation.

Strain Theory

A theory proposing that deviance arises from the disparity between societal goals and the means available to achieve them.

Labeling Theory

A sociological perspective that examines how the labels society uses to classify individuals can influence their behavior.

Crime

Behavior that violates official laws and is punishable through formal sanctions.

Types of Crime

Categories of crime, including violent, non-violent, corporate, and victimless crimes.

Criminal Justice System

The collective institutions including police, courts, and corrections that manage the enforcement of laws and punishments.

Macdonaldization

The application of fast-food principles to other areas of society, emphasizing predictability, efficiency, and control.

Social Control

The ways in which a society regulates individual behavior to maintain order and conformity.