Socialization Flashcards
What is socialisation?
The process through which people are taught to be members of a society. It describes the ways that people come to understand societal norms and expectations, to accept society’s beliefs and to be aware of societal values. It is not the same as socializing.
What was Charles Horton Cooley’s theory of self-development?
He asserted that people’s self understanding is constructed by their perception of how others view them. This process is called ‘The Looking Glass Self’
What was George Herbert Mead’s theory of self-development?
He studied the self, a person’s distinct identity that is developed through social interaction. Through socialisation we learn to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and look at the world through their perspective. This assists us in becoming self-aware, as we look at ourselves from the perspective of the “other”.
What distinguishes nature from nurture?
The nature vs nurture debate questions whether the way we are is a result of nurture (from relationships and care received) or nature (biology and genetics, set at birth).
Give a brief note on Agents of Socialisation.
Socialisation helps people learn to function in their social worlds. This learning takes place through interaction with various agents of socialisation, like peer groups and families, both formal and informal social institutions. They can be either social group agents (family, peer groups) or institutional agents (school, workplace, religion, media).
Give a brief note on social group agents.
Social groups often provide the first experiences of socialisation, Families and later peer groups, communicate expectations and reinforce norms. People first learn to use the tangible objects of material culture in these settings. They are also introduced to the beliefs and values of society.
Give a brief note on institutional agents.
The social institutions of our culture also inform our socialisation. Formal institutions - like schools, workplaces, governments - teach people how to behave in and navigate these systems. Other institutions, like the media, contribute to socialisation by inundating us with messages about norms and expectations.
What is anticipatory socialisation?
The preparation for future life roles in life.
Describe re-socialisation.
In the process of re-socialisation, old behaviours that were helpful in a previous role are removed because they are no longer of use. Re-socialisation is necessary when a person moves to a nursing home, goes to boarding school or the army, or serves time in jail. In the new environment, the old rules no longer apply. People have to un-learn behaviours that have become customary to them.
What is a total institution?
The most common way re-socialisation occurs is in a total institution where people are isolated from society and are forced to follow someone else’s rules. Examples: convents, prisons, the army, navy and some cults. They are places cut off from a larger society.
