Socialization An introduction to terms

What is Socialization “the lifelong process through which we learn all the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that we, as humans, need to survive and prosper within a specific culture”“the lifelong process through which we learn all the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that we, as humans, need to survive and prosper within a specific culture”

What is Socialization Sociologists focus on how people learn the basic rules and attitudes of human behavior that are considered acceptable in our society (ie. Don’t pick your nose) Psychologists focus more on the development of human personality, and the acquisition of those personal characteristics that make each individual unique (how well balanced are we, how self- confident are we) Anthropologists see socialization as the means by which permanent human societies are produced (most important processes of socialization- marriage, family, the household)

Three components… 1.Primary – where we learn how to use language, eat, deal with emotions, and learn gender roles - Comprises the basic understanding we need to function in the society to which we are born

2. Secondary – where we begin to learn how to function in groups (such as school, church, etc.) - How to follow the behaviours society expects of us while acting in group situations

3. Anticipatory – Where we learn how to think ahead and act accordingly (acquisition of social norms) -How to dress for a particular social situation? -How should we address a teacher?

4. Resocialization- the deliberate attempt by society to replace aspects of an individuals socialization with new learning's -New recruits to the military -Inmates who get released from jail

What are ‘Agents of Socialization’? “individuals, organizations and individuals that facilitate the process of socialization”“individuals, organizations and individuals that facilitate the process of socialization”

Hmmm…… With a small group (3 to 4 people), brainstorm a list of major agents of socialization.With a small group (3 to 4 people), brainstorm a list of major agents of socialization.

Family First agent! (for most)First agent! (for most) Teaches…Teaches… –Independence –Gender roles –Social norms –Right vs. wrong –Awareness of personal qualities

School ‘two’ curriculums‘two’ curriculums –Manifest function (formal curriculum) Teaches academic and work related skillsTeaches academic and work related skills –Latent function (‘hidden’ curriculum) Teaches social expectations and rulesTeaches social expectations and rules –Ex. Organization, punctuality, co- operation

Peer Group (friends) Important ‘agent’ during adolescenceImportant ‘agent’ during adolescence Development of ‘self’ and personal identityDevelopment of ‘self’ and personal identity –Smoking, sex, continued family relationship, etc… Role of peer pressure?!?!?Role of peer pressure?!?!?

Media Includes…print, electronic, music, visualIncludes…print, electronic, music, visual Enormous impact during adolescenceEnormous impact during adolescence –Especially when partnered with peer groups Usually presented as absolute or unquestionableUsually presented as absolute or unquestionable

Religion Direct vs. indirect exposureDirect vs. indirect exposure Decreasing ‘enrollment’Decreasing ‘enrollment’ Impact on personal moralsImpact on personal morals

Workplace Impact on teamwork skillsImpact on teamwork skills Different expectations and consequences than other agents provideDifferent expectations and consequences than other agents provide

What would happen if a child was removed from some or all of these agents?

Feral Children: Feral Children: aka ‘Wild Child’. Raised by animals in their natural habitat. Exhibits animal like behaviours. Feral Children: Isolates: Isolates: children that have been physically, socially, or emotionally removed from others, and therefore have not been properly socialized. Isolates: