SOCIOLOGY_CHAPTER_3

Unit Overview

• Course: FABC 2133 - Socialization

• Institution: Lincoln University College, Center for Foundation Studies, Dr. Umasenan

Objectives

• Identify Socialization

• Outline Socialization

• Describe Socialization

• Discuss Socialization

Socialization in Sociology

• Definition: Socialization is the process through which individuals acquire cultural norms, values, and behaviors of their society.

  • Involves learning, adaptation, and conformity to dominant culture.

  • Development of social skills and relationships.

• Lifelong Process: Begins at birth and continues throughout an individual's life.

Types of Socialization

Primary Socialization

• Age Group: 0-12 years (early childhood)

• Description: Involves learning family and community culture, fundamental socialization process shaping basic values and norms.

Secondary Socialization

• Description: Occurs through education, peer groups, and other institutions, refining social skills and adaptability.

Tertiary Socialization

• Description: Learning norms and values of one's profession and social roles in adulthood, assisting individuals in adjusting to new responsibilities.

Theories and Processes of Socialization

Imprinting Theory

• Proponent: Donald Campbell

• Concept: Early experiences impact individuals significantly, similar to bird imprinting behavior.

Social Learning Theory

• Proponent: Albert Bandura

• Concept: Individuals learn behaviors through observation and imitation, highlighting social media and peers' influence.

Cognitive Development Theory

• Proponent: Jean Piaget

• Concept: Socialization is a continuous process of constructing understanding through interactions.

Factors Influencing Socialization

• Family: Primary social unit nurturing initial learning.

• Peers: Influence attitudes and values through social interactions.

• Culture: Influences socialization through norms and institutions.

• Education: Contributes to perspectives and skill development.

Consequences of Socialization

Conformity

• Internalization of dominant culture's norms and values leading to belonging and identity.

Nonconformity

• Resistance or rejection of cultural norms due to personal values or experiences.

Cultural Identity

• Sense of belonging to a specific cultural group or adoption of multiple identities.

Conclusion on Socialization

• Socialization is a complex process shaped by interactions with family, peers, and cultural environments.

• Essential for understanding societal transmission of values across generations.

Society Overview

• Definition: A complex network of individuals sharing a common culture, history, and social structure.

• Purpose of Study: Understand how society functions and impacts individual relationships.

Key Characteristics of Society

• Social Structure: Organization of relationships, roles, and institutions.

• Culture: Shared values and norms providing meaning.

• Social Institutions: Formal and informal organizations providing essential services.

• Social Change: Transformation driven by various factors such as technology and social movements.

Types of Societies

• Complex Societies: Large-scale organizations with specialized labor.

• Simple Societies: Small-scale with limited labor specialization.

• Tribal Societies: Based on kinship and local traditions.

• Industrial Societies: Widespread machine use and factories.

Key Concepts in Understanding Society

Social Hierarchy

• Ranking system based on wealth, power, or status.

Social Stratification

• Division of societies into distinct layers based on various factors.

Power Dynamics

• Distribution of power influencing decision-making and resource allocation.

Social Inequality

• Uneven distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges.

Theories of Society

Functionalism

• Society as a cohesive system maintaining order and stability.

Conflict Theory

• Inherent conflicts between groups vying for power.

Symbolic Interactionism

• Social interaction creating meaning through symbols and language.

Society Conclusion

• Dynamic systems impacted by history and culture, essential for understanding interactions and inequalities.

Children in Sociology

• Childhood studies focus on societal impacts on children’s experiences and outcomes.

Feral Children

• Individuals isolated from human contact, lacking care, social behavior, and cultural norms.

  • Characteristics: Lack of socialization, behavioral differences, and developmental discrepancies.

Notable Cases of Feral Children

• Victor of Aveyron: Lived in wild, lacked speech and social skills, significant study focus.

• Genie: Isolated until 13 years old, raised questions on language acquisition and ethics.

• Marina Chapman: Captured by monkeys and learned pertinent survival skills.

Effects of Isolation on Children

Cognitive Development

• Impaired language acquisition due to lack of interaction.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

• Potential for anxiety and emotional disorders.

Social Skills

• Hindered communication, collaboration, and interaction abilities.

Identity Development

• Impaired sense of belonging crucial for childhood development.

Institutionalized Children

• Children living in orphanages or foster care affected by family dysfunction, poverty, or abuse.

Institutional Models

• Orphanage Model: Basic care and shelter.

• Foster Family Model: Care with trained individuals in family settings.

• Group Home Model: Shared living with professional staff.

• Residential Treatment: Intensive support for emotional/behavioral issues.

Effects of Institutionalization

• Emotional Trauma: Risks for anxiety and attachment issues.

• Social Isolation: Limited peer interaction affecting social skills.

• Reintegration Struggles: Difficulty transitioning back to community life.

• Health Consequences: Increased chronic disease risks due to unsatisfactory care.

Deprived Animals

• Refers to animals deprived of essential needs affecting health and behavior.

Causes and Effects of Deprivation in Animals

• Causes: Neglect, factory farming, laboratory conditions, habitat loss.

• Effects: Health issues, abnormal behaviors, psychological distress.

Socialization into Self and Mind

• Development of identities and cognitive frameworks through societal interactions.

Theoretical Frameworks of Self-Concept

George Herbert Mead's Theory

• Emphasizes social interaction in self-development through language and symbols.

Erik Erikson's Development Stages

• Eight stages showcasing conflicts shaping personality across the lifespan.

Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory

• Social interaction’s role in cognitive development through cultural exchanges.

Learning, Emotion, and Self-Control

discovery of interplay between learning, emotion, and self-control for personal and social growth.

Learning Types

• Associative Learning: Links between stimuli.

• Operant Conditioning: Rewards and punishments in behavior shaping.

• Observational Learning: Learning from the behavior of others.

Components of Emotion

• Physiological: Bodily responses.

• Cognitive: Interpretation of emotions.

• Behavioral: Observable reactions to emotions.

Self-Control

• Management of impulses and behaviors for achieving long-term goals.

Feedback Loops in Learning

• Positive feedback enhances emotional well-being and self-control, while setbacks can have adverse effects.

Socialization into Gender

• Process of learning and internalizing gender roles influenced by societal expectations and cultural contexts.

Key Concepts in Gender Socialization

• Gender Roles: Societal expectations for behaviors based on gender.

• Gender Identity: Personal sense of being male, female, or non-binary.

• Intersectionality: Interaction of gender with other social categories shaping experiences.

Agents of Gender Socialization

• Family: Early reinforcement of gender-specific behaviors.

• Education: Schools contribute to gender norms through interactions and curricula.

• Peer Groups: Influence children’s adherence to or challenge of gender norms.

• Media: Portrayal of gender affects societal perceptions and identities.

• Religion and Workplace: Both reinforce or challenge traditional gender expectations.

Agents of Socialization Overview

• Agents are influential in shaping personal attitudes and behaviors as individuals develop in society.

Primary Agents of Socialization

Family

• Significant in early learning and emotional development.

Education

• Schools teach societal expectations and facilitate peer interactions.

Peer Groups

• Provide independent identity exploration.

Media

• Cultural norms dissemination through various outlets.

Religion and Government

• Provide moral frameworks and societal norms.

Community Influence

• Neighborhoods impact individual values and opportunities.

Conclusion on Agents of Socialization

• Recognition of how socialization agents influence personal development, beliefs, and roles as societies evolve.

References

1. Macionis, J, J. (2013). Sociology, 15th ed. Pearson, USA.

2. Andersen, M.L., & Taylor, H.F. (2012). Sociology: The Essentials, 7th ed. Cengage Learning, UK.

3. Henslin, J.M. (2014). Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, 11th ed. Pearson, UK.

4. Macionis, J.J. (2013). Sociology: A Global Introduction, Pearson Education, UK.

5. Ritzer, G. (2012). Sociological Theory, Tata McGraw Hill Education, USA.