1. Socialization
The lifelong social experience by which people develop their human potential and learn culture
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

2. Agents of Socialization
The Family
The School
The Peer Group
The Mass Media
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

3. The School Experience diversity Hidden curriculum First bureaucracy
Racial and gender clustering
Hidden curriculum
Informal, covert lessons
First bureaucracy
Rules and schedule
Gender socialization begins
From grade school through college, gender-linked activities are encountered.
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

4. The Family Most important agent Parental attention is very important
A loving family produces a happy well-adjusted child.
Parental attention is very important
Bonding and encouragement
Household environment
Stimulates development
Social position
Race, religion, ethnicity, class
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

5. Peer Groups Developing sense of self that goes beyond the family
A social group whose members have interests, social position and age in common
Developing sense of self that goes beyond the family
Young and old attitudes and the “generation gap”
Peers often govern short-term goals while parents influence long-term plans.
Anticipatory socialization
Practice working toward gaining desired positions
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

6. Impersonal communications aimed at a vast audience
The Mass Media
Impersonal communications aimed at a vast audience
Televisions in the United States
98% of households have at least one TV.
Two-thirds of households have cable satellite.
Hours of viewing television
Average household = 7 hours per day
Almost half of individuals’ free time
Children average 5 ½ hours per day.
Television, videotapes, video games
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

7. Socialization and Life Course
Each stage of life is linked to the biological process.
Stages present problems and transitions that involve learning.
“Nature vs. Nurture”
Skills are shaped by both our biological inheritance and our life experiences
Genie
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

8. The Life Course Childhood (birth through 12) The “hurried child”
Adolescence (the teenage years)
Turmoil attributed to cultural inconsistencies.
Adulthood
Early: 20-40, conflicting priorities
Middle: 40-60, concerns over health, career and family
Old age (mid-60s and older)
More seniors than teenagers
Less anti-elderly bias
Role exiting
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

9. Dying 85% of Americans die after age 55.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross stages of dying
Denial
Anger
Negotiation
Resignation
Acceptance
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

10. Resocialization Staff breaks down identity.
Efforts to radically change an inmate’s personality by carefully controlling the environment
Staff breaks down identity.
Staff rebuilds personality using rewards and punishments.
Total institutions affect people in different ways.
Some develop an institutionalized personality.
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

11. Are We Free Within Society?
Society shapes how we think, feel and act.
If this is so, then in what sense are we free?
Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Sociology, 12th Edition by John Macionis
Copyright  2008 Prentice Hall, a division of Pearson Education. All rights reserved.