Socialization

Question 1

What is socialization?

Answer 1

The life-long process through which humans learn the skills and attitudes they need to function in society. It is based different on race, gender and class.

Question 2

What is the goal of socialization?

Answer 2

To turn us into conforming members of society.

Question 3

What is formal socialization?

Answer 3

Typically occurs through institutions such as schools, churches, workplaces, etc, and is generally based on large-scale idea transmission (ex. education adopting common morals, and roles and responsibilities)

Question 4

What is informal socialization?

Answer 4

Typically occurs through individuals or groups, including: family, a friend, peers, colleagues, etc, and is generally based on smaller-scale ideas (ex. family rules, personal tastes, and common interests)

Question 5

What does socialization do for the individual?

Answer 5

• Norms/values
• Roles
• Learning to control impulses
• Developing self-concept (identity)

Question 6

How does family influence socialization?

Answer 6

• Families introduce children to the expectations of society
• They are the primary agent of socialization
• How parents define and treat a child is crucial to the development of the child’s sense of self

Question 7

How does school influence socialization?

Answer 7

• School is where a society conveys knowledge to its members, such as facts and skills; as well as cultural norms and value
• Factors affecting schooling;
• Rapid change (technology, society)
• Specialized skills required in work force
• Complex social structure and organizations

Question 8

How does peer groups influence socialization?

Answer 8

• For children, peer culture is an important source of identity
• Through interaction with peers, children learn concepts of self, gain social skills, and form value and attitudes
• Girls’ peer groups tend to be closely knit and egalitarian
• Boys’ peer groups tend to be more hierarchical with evident status distinctions

Question 9

How does media influence socialization?

Answer 9

-The average young person (ages 8-19) spends 6.75 hours per day immersed in media in various forms, often using multiple media forms simultaneously.

Question 10

How does religion influence socialization?

Answer 10

• Children tend to develop the same religious beliefs as their parents
• Religious socialization also influences beliefs about sexuality, including the likelihood of tolerance for homosexuality

Question 11

How do sports influence socialization?

Answer 11

• Through sports men and women learn concepts of self, others and in-group/out-group
• Men learn that being competitive in sports is considered a part of “manhood”. Women may learn that competitive behaviour is not “lady-like”.

Question 12

What are the sages of group formation?

Answer 12

1. Forming: The group comes together and gets to initially know one another and form as a group.
2. Storming: A chaotic vying for leadership and control over group processes.
3. Norming: Eventually agreement is reached on how the group operates.
4. Performing: The group operates in accordance with its purpose and becomes effective in meeting its objectives.
5. Adjourning: That is, letting go of group structure and moving on.

Question 13

What is collective behavior?

Answer 13

• The way people act in crowds or social movements, usually spontaneous, maybe unpredictable
• during panic, a highly emotional and irrational response

Question 14

What is prosocial behavior?

Answer 14

Altruism- unselfish regard for the needs of others

Question 15

What are the 6 agents of socialization?

Answer 15

1) family
2) school
3) peer groups
4) media
5) religion
6) other - sports