Socialization and Group Dynamics

The Functions of the Socialization Process (Pg. 58–59)

• Definition: Socialization = process of learning the beliefs, norms and values socially expected of a person as a member of a group or society.

• Core Functions

  • Establishes basic disciplines (e.g. universal hygiene; children taught to wash hands before & after meals).
    • Nursing link: strict hand-washing “moments” ensure procedural discipline.

  • Provides individual identity.
    • Traditional societies: identity = \text{gender}, ethnic group, family status.
    • Industrial societies: identity = personal achievement (emerges later in life).
    • Nursing: identity begins in education/training; novice nurses absorb values by observing role models.

  • Teaches social roles, their rights & obligations.
    • Professional socialization shows nurses their societal role.

  • Imparts skills.
    • Traditional: customs via imitation.
    • Industrial: abstract literacy taught formally.
    • Nursing: mastery of medical language plus psychomotor, cognitive & behavioural skills; passed down generationally.

George Herbert Mead – Process of Role Taking (Pg. 61–63)

‘Self’ Concept

• "Self" is not innate; it arises from interaction with others (parents, playmates, adults).

• I (subjective side): imagination, creativity, spontaneity, uniqueness.

• Me (objective side): ability to view oneself as an object through outsiders’ eyes.

Phases of Self-Development

1. Imitation Phase (children <3 yrs)
   • Only mimic others; cannot distinguish own self from others.
   • Example: girl pacifies doll.

2. Play Phase (≈ 3–6 yrs)
   • Pretend/role-playing: “being” a nurse, doctor, train driver; use props/toys.

3. Game Phase (kindergarten onward)
   • Organized games with rules; child grasps all team roles, societal expectations, norms & sanctions.

Primary vs. Secondary Socialization (Pg. 6–7)

• Primary Socialization (within family)
  • Child internalizes language, logical thought, basic norms/values, relationship skills, approved behaviours, culturally appropriate identity.

• Secondary Socialization (outside family)
  • Begins in pre-primary school, later through school, peer group, mass media, workplace.
  • Individual masters new life sectors & roles.

Phases of Socialization – Family Life-Cycle Model

1. Commencement of Togetherness
   • Establishment: partnership → marriage/formal co-habitation (find home, income).
   • Expectation: conception → birth of first child; learn about pregnancy, birth, parenthood.

2. Child-Bearing Families
   • Child: birth → 30 months; develops feeding, sleeping, psychomotor, cognitive, social skills.
   • Parents (22–28 yrs): adopt parental roles; juggle careers; may hire nanny/child-care; fathers might stay home.

3. Families w/ Preschool Children
   • Child 30 months – 6 yrs: toilet habits, motor & intellectual skills; refine sleep/eating.
   • Parents (28–32 yrs): possible career change for higher income.

4. Couples w/ School-Going Children
   • Child 6–13 yrs: broader responsibilities, budgeting, sports.
   • Parents (33–40 yrs): seek employment stability + advancement.

5. Families w/ Teenagers
   • Child 13–18 yrs: emotional/physical maturity, career/education decisions, opposite-sex relationships.
   • Parents: role-models, financial & emotional guidance, open communication.

6. Launching Centre
   • Children leave home (career, tertiary education, marriage).
   • Parents (mid-40s): reduced achievement drive, increased life satisfaction.

7. Middle Years – Empty Nest
   • Children have own families (restart Phase 1).
   • Parents: rediscover partnership, new personal identities, grand-parenthood.

8. Ageing Families
   • Retirement → death of spouse(s).
   • Adjust to ageing, pensions; maintain bonds w/ children & grandchildren; may move to retirement facilities.

Agents of Socialization (Pg. 13–15)

• Family
  • Primary dependency; major site of both primary & continuing secondary socialization.
  • Language transmits cultural heritage; grandparents participate.

• School
  • Maintains social order; teaches literacy & numeracy to tertiary level.
  • Manifest function: deliver formal curriculum, norms, values.
  • Latent function: peer interaction, entry into adult world, childcare while parents work.

• Peer Group
  • Voluntary membership of similar-age individuals; guides tastes (music, fashion).
  • Strong influence when parental attention lacking; fulfills need for acceptance.

• Mass Media
  • Traditional (radio, TV, print) + digital (smartphones, handheld computers).
  • Nurses use smart devices for clinical info; managers employ e-communication for patient feedback.

• Workplace / Profession
  • Occupational choice: deciding which career to pursue & preparing for it.
  • Anticipatory socialization: mentally rehearsing future role by talking to practitioners.
  • Conditioning & commitment: internalize professional creed, conform to rules.
  • Continuous commitment: remain & excel despite challenges.

Group Dynamics (Pg. 177)

• Group Dynamics: socio-scientific study of behaviour in small groups (2–20 members).

• Group Cohesion: degree members are motivated to stay in group.

• Group Norms: internally formed rules ensuring consistent social behaviour.

Factors Influencing Conformity to Group Norms (Pg. 157–158)

• Conformity = aligning attitudes/behaviours with group norms.

• Drivers of higher conformity:
  • Strong identification with group (e.g. nurses viewing profession as a calling).
  • Mixed-gender groups vs. single-gender.
  • Perception of permanent membership & attraction to group.
  • Ambiguous decisions → pressure to align.
  • Norms self-created by group & presence of friendships.
  • Opinion deviates from influential majority → members alter answers.
  • Issue relevance (e.g. salaries, service conditions).
  • Personality (anxious, less intelligent) more susceptible.
  • Culture valuing group identity; upbringing stressing group → higher conformity.

Factors Promoting Group Cohesion

1. Clear, well-understood group aim.

2. High status of individual within group.

3. Positive, accepting atmosphere.

4. Small group size (smaller ⇒ greater cohesion).

5. Adherence to group norms (deviation ↓ cohesion & ↑ pressure to conform).

6. Cooperation (vs. internal competition).

7. Similarities among members (values, norms, interests, beliefs).