Chapter 4 Socialization

Chapter Outline The Socialization Process Theories of Socialization Agents of Socialization Growing up in a Diverse Society Socialization Across the Life Course Resocialization

The Socialization Process Humans learn the expectations of society through the process of socialization. Socialization is different based on race, gender and class. Examining the socialization process helps us see how our lives are socially constructed.

Consequences of Socialization Establishes self-concepts. Creates the capacity for role taking. Creates the tendency for people to act in socially acceptable ways. Makes people bearers of culture.

Psychoanalytic Theory of Socialization The unconscious mind shapes human behavior. Depicts the human psyche in three parts: Id - deep drives and impulses Ego - reason and common sense Superego - represents the standards of society

Object Relations Theory of Socialization Infants identify with they same sex parent. The self emerges from separating oneself from the primary caretaker. The division of labor in a family shapes the formation of identity.

Social Learning Theory of Socialization People respond to social stimuli in their environment. Identity is created through the interaction of mental and social worlds. Children learn though taking the role of significant others. Identity emerges as the creative self interacts with the social expectations of others.

Piaget: Social Learning Theory Children go through stages of cognitive development: Sensorimotor Preoperational Concrete operational Formal operational .

The Looking-glass Self Self concept comes though reflection about relationships to others. How we think we appear to others. How we think others judge us. How these make us feel - proud, embarrassed or something else.

Mead: Taking the Role of the Other Imitation stage - children imitate the behavior of those around them. Play stage - children take on the role of significant others. Game stage - children internalize an abstract understanding of how society sees them.

Socialization Across the Life Cycle Childhood - establish one’s initial identity and values. Adolescence - form a consistent identity. Adulthood and Old Age - learn new roles and expectations in adult life.

Resocialization Occurs when people enter hierarchical organizations that require them to respond to authority on principal, rather than loyalty. Examples: military, prison, monastic orders, cults, fraternities and sororities