Socialization…

The process that makes you…YOU!

What is socialization?Socialization is a process in which we

acquire modes of thinking, feeling, & acting. (p. 99 Sparta vs. Athens)

Tabula rasa

Social Interactions: family, friends, teachers, employers, & colleagues help to create our social identity.

The Big Question

How will you turn out? Model Citizen Criminal In between.

Socializing the Individual

Personality is the basic organization of individuals that determines the uniqueness of their behavior

The process of socialization is the process of cultural molding by which the individual learns the basic skills, values, beliefs and behavior patterns of society.

Some Aspects of Personality

Physical characteristicsAbilitiesAptitudeInterestsBeliefsHabits

Socialization: Nature or Nurture?

Both heredity and the environment play important roles in the socialization process.

1. Harlow’s monkey isolation study2. U. of Minnesota Twin studies3. Recent studies of Birth-Order position

Agents of Socialization Individuals, groups, institutions that provide the situations in which socialization occurs.

1. The Family

Most importantLearn how to behaveDevelop emotional tiesInternalize values and normsDeliberateUnconscious

2. The Peer Group

A primary group of individuals of equal age and social characteristics

Behave according to our peer’s standards

UnstructuredFocus on the subculture

3. The School

13-20 years of time spent thereDeliberate socializationTeach reading, writing, math and skillsTransmit values – patriotism,

responsibility and good citizenshipUnintended socialization also

4. The Mass Media

Newspapers, magazines, books, television, radio, film

No personal contactOne t.v. in 98% of homes On average Seven hours a day Violence – white values – expands our

world

5. Other Agents

Religion – 65% of people in the U.S. belong to a religion

Government/PoliticsWorkEconomic systemsLittle leagueScouts/4-H Clubs/Rotary etc.

Total Institution = People are isolated from the rest of society for a period of time and are subject to control of officials.

PrisonMilitary boot campMonasteriesPsychiatric hospitalsRe-socialization = Break with the past

and learn new values and norms. To do this they alter dress, hairstyle, speech and freedom of movement.