Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Encourages questions and follow-ups after class.
• Planning to cover the first two topics, possibly touching on a third.
• Brief continuation from the previous class on culture.

Values, Norms, and Culture

• Values and Norms: Critical elements of culture that often dictate expected behavior.
  • Example: Dinner table etiquette informed by values like respect and order.
• Norms can be unspoken and implicit.
  • Example: Facing the door in an elevator.
• Codified Norms: Called laws once formally established.
• Institutional Norms: Norms tied to specific settings and institutions, e.g., classroom behavior.

Changes in Norms and Values: Dating Over Time

• Shifts in dating norms from institutionalized to companionate to individualized.
• Historical context: Early marriage due to societal expectations versus current trend of marrying later due to economic independence, education, etc.
• Discussion on whether these changes are due to shifting values or economic factors.

Socialization

• Definition: Process by which individuals internalize societal norms and values.
• Importance of socialization in developing behaviors and functioning in society.
  • Example: Raising hands in class.
• Direct vs. Observational Learning: Direct teaching versus learning by observing others.

Human Nature and Socialization

• Interaction of biology and socialization in shaping human behavior.
• Story of Anna: Illustrates the necessity of social interaction for development.
• Discussion on traits being learned or biological, using examples like alcoholism.

Theories of Social Self

• George Herbert Mead: Distinction between "I" (agency, desires) and "Me" (reflection, societal perception).
• Development of "self" through understanding of "other" and "generalized other".
• Charles Horton Cooley: "Looking Glass Self" - self-concept is influenced by how we imagine others perceive us.

Play, Games, and Socialization

• Importance of play and games in developing social roles and understanding others.
• Distinction between freeform play and structured games.

Agents of Socialization

• Family: Primary unit of socialization, influenced by demographics and structure.
• School: Introduces institutional norms and peer interactions.
• Peers: Become more influential during adolescence.
• Social Class: Different socialization strategies between middle and working class.
  • Annette Laureau's Study: Differences in child-rearing strategies and their impact on institutional success.

Conclusion

• Importance of navigating institutions for success.
• Encouragement to contact with questions or for assignment help.