Introduction to Sociology 3e - Chapter 5: Socialization

Chapter Outline

• 5.1 Theories of Self-Development
• 5.2 Why Socialization Matters
• 5.3 Agents of Socialization
• 5.4 Socialization Across the Life Course

Key Concepts

• Socialization, the lifelong process where individuals learn and adapt to societal norms, values, and roles.
• It plays a crucial role in individual development and societal perpetuation.

5.1 Theories of Self-Development

Psychological Perspectives

• Sigmund Freud: Linked self-development with early life stages.
• Erik Erikson: Personality evolves over time; identified eight stages of development.
• Jean Piaget: Focused on social interaction's role in self-development.

Sociological Perspectives

• Charles Cooley: "Looking glass self" - self-understanding shaped by perceptions of how others view us.
• George Herbert Mead: Self develops through social interactions; introduced the stages of development (preparatory, play, and game stages).
• Lawrence Kohlberg: Proposed stages of moral development (preconventional, conventional, and postconventional).
• Carol Gilligan: Critiqued Kohlberg for gender bias, introduced care and responsibility perspective.

Sociology vs. Psychology

• Psychology focuses on the mind and individual behavior.
• Sociology examines societal influences on behavior and group dynamics.

5.2 Why Socialization Matters

Importance for Individuals and Society

• Essential for cultural transmission and individual integration into society.
• Without socialization, societal culture would not persist.

Nature vs. Nurture

• Debate on genetic vs. environmental influence on self-development.
• Sociologists emphasize the role of social environment (nurture).

Case Study: Chris Langan

• Demonstrates that social skills learned through socialization can be more important than intelligence in achieving success.

5.3 Agents of Socialization

Social Group Agents

• Family: First agent; imparts basic norms and values.
• Peer Groups: Influence increases with age; provide independence from family norms.

Institutional Agents

• Schools: Teach academic content and social norms (hidden curriculum).
• Workplaces: Require adaptation to organizational culture.
• Religion: Imparts values and norms, often linked to gender roles.
• Government: Defines legal age-related roles and responsibilities.
• Mass Media: Influences through cultural messages and norms.

5.4 Socialization Across the Life Course

Lifelong Process

• Occurs at different life stages, adapting to new roles (e.g., becoming a parent, starting a job).

Resocialization

• Occurs when adapting to new environments, often in total institutions (e.g., military, prisons).
• Involves unlearning old behaviors and adopting new ones.

Key Terms

• Anticipatory socialization: Preparation for future roles.
• Degradation ceremony: Process of removing old identity in total institutions.
• Generalized other: Society's common behavioral expectations.
• Moral development: Learning societal views on right and wrong.
• Nature vs. Nurture: Debate on genetic vs. social influence on development.

Section Summary

• Socialization is foundational for societal and individual development.
• Different theories provide insights into the self-development and moral aspects.
• Agents of socialization include family, peers, institutions, and media.

Further Research

• Explore Kohlberg's moral dilemmas, socialization of twins, and corporate culture insights from Glassdoor.