Chapter 5 - Socialization Flashcards
What is socialization?
The life-long process through which individuals acquire self-identity and social skills; the process of becoming social human beings. Language and social interaction are key.
What forces are nature vs nurture a product of?
Heredity and environment.
What is biological determinism?
Biological determinism is the view that who we are is largely hardwired in our genes. This viewpoint tends to not leave room for social change - e.g. “boys will be boys”
Are sociologists (generally) on the side of nature or nurture?
Sociologists tend to be on the nurture side, because if social factors explain patterns of behaviour, then social change is possible.
What is eugenics?
The promotion of higher rates of reproduction for people considered genetically/biologically superior to create the ideal person/family. During its time, it was considered to be a legitimate science.
What are the two types of eugenics?
Positive (usually just referred to as eugenics) and negative eugenics.
What is negative eugenics?
One of the two types of eugenics, negative eugenics is the promoted/forced sterilization of those considered “unfit”.
What are two social isolation studies?
Two examples of isolation studies were the “war orphans” study, and Harlow’s monkeys.
What are the effects of early deprivation (how important is a social environment in developing us as human beings)?
The effects of severe deprivation are that a person may never acquire the social skills and emotional health needed to function i society. Human interaction at an early age is necessary for children to develop the traits we define as human.
What conclusions were drawn from twin studies?
Temperament, personality and mannerisms are more to heredity (nature), and attitudes and values are more influenced by the social environment.
Cooley - Looking Glass Self
We see ourselves reflected in how others react to us. Our social self arises from other’s opinions of us - based on verbal and non-verbal communication.
Mead: I (self as subject) and Me (self as object)
I = myself as I am (our own opinions of ourselves)
Me = myself as how I think others see me
Based on an awareness of how others expect us to behave.
True self = combination of both
Role taking - we mentally take the role of others to understand the world from their perspective.
Mead’s Stages of Self-Development
- Preparatory stage (0-3 yrs) - imitation of others
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