Chapter 4: Socialization
Socialization: Definition and Purpose
● Socialization is the lifelong process that enables people to learn
culture and become functioning members of society.
● It is essential for individual development, helping to develop basic
behaviors like talking and eating with utensils.
● Purpose of Socialization:
○ Establishes social identity.
○ Teaches role taking.
○ Controls behavior through internalization.
○ Internalization is learning cultural behaviors and expectations
and accepting them undeniably.
○ Transmits culture to the next generation.
The Nature vs. Nurture Debate
● Nature (Heredity):
○ Human development is innate, biological, and due largely to
heredity.
○ Development is considered fairly fixed.
● Nurture (Environment):
○ Human development is learned, psychological/social/cultural,
and due largely to environment.
○ Development is considered fairly changeable.
● Conclusion: On average, 49% of individual differences are genetic,
and 51% are environmental. Social environment can enhance or
dampen biological characteristics.
Sociological Theories of Socialization
● Social Learning Theories:
○ People learn new attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through social
interaction.
○ Learning occurs through direct reinforcement
(rewards/punishments) and indirect observation and imitation of
role models.
● Symbolic Interaction Theories:
○ Cooley's Looking-Glass Self:
, ■ The Self (awareness of social identity) is acquired through
interaction.
■ The looking-glass self is a self-image based on how we
think others see us.
○ Mead's Development of the Self and Role Taking:
■ The self develops when a child differentiates the "me" from
the "I".
■ Role taking (learning to take the perspective of others)
helps form the "me".
■ Stages:
■ Preparatory Stage (Under age 2): Child is self-
centered; learns through observation.
■ Play Stage (Age 2-6): Distinguishes self from
others; imitates significant others; learns role
taking in one role at a time; teaches anticipatory
socialization.
■ Game Stage (Age 6+): Understands and
anticipates multiple roles; connects to societal roles
through the generalized other.
○ Goffman's Dramaturgical Analysis:
■ Examines social interaction as if it is occurring on a
stage.
■ Impression management is used to present ourselves
favorably by managing setting, appearance, and manner.
Socialization Agents
● Socialization agents are individuals, groups, or institutions that
teach us how to participate in society.
● Family: Parents teach social rules and roles; siblings act as
confidantes; grandparents transmit values and traditions.
● Play, Peer Groups, and Friends: Peer groups are people similar in
age, social status, and interests. Play promotes cognitive and social
development. Friends reinforce behavior and can be positive or
negative role models.
● Teachers and Schools: Enhance cognitive development and teach
different ways to think. Teachers act as instructors, role models, and
disciplinarians.
● Popular Culture and Media: Electronic media usage, including
violence and advertising, is a growing concern.
Socialization Throughout Life and Resocialization
Socialization: Definition and Purpose
● Socialization is the lifelong process that enables people to learn
culture and become functioning members of society.
● It is essential for individual development, helping to develop basic
behaviors like talking and eating with utensils.
● Purpose of Socialization:
○ Establishes social identity.
○ Teaches role taking.
○ Controls behavior through internalization.
○ Internalization is learning cultural behaviors and expectations
and accepting them undeniably.
○ Transmits culture to the next generation.
The Nature vs. Nurture Debate
● Nature (Heredity):
○ Human development is innate, biological, and due largely to
heredity.
○ Development is considered fairly fixed.
● Nurture (Environment):
○ Human development is learned, psychological/social/cultural,
and due largely to environment.
○ Development is considered fairly changeable.
● Conclusion: On average, 49% of individual differences are genetic,
and 51% are environmental. Social environment can enhance or
dampen biological characteristics.
Sociological Theories of Socialization
● Social Learning Theories:
○ People learn new attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors through social
interaction.
○ Learning occurs through direct reinforcement
(rewards/punishments) and indirect observation and imitation of
role models.
● Symbolic Interaction Theories:
○ Cooley's Looking-Glass Self:
, ■ The Self (awareness of social identity) is acquired through
interaction.
■ The looking-glass self is a self-image based on how we
think others see us.
○ Mead's Development of the Self and Role Taking:
■ The self develops when a child differentiates the "me" from
the "I".
■ Role taking (learning to take the perspective of others)
helps form the "me".
■ Stages:
■ Preparatory Stage (Under age 2): Child is self-
centered; learns through observation.
■ Play Stage (Age 2-6): Distinguishes self from
others; imitates significant others; learns role
taking in one role at a time; teaches anticipatory
socialization.
■ Game Stage (Age 6+): Understands and
anticipates multiple roles; connects to societal roles
through the generalized other.
○ Goffman's Dramaturgical Analysis:
■ Examines social interaction as if it is occurring on a
stage.
■ Impression management is used to present ourselves
favorably by managing setting, appearance, and manner.
Socialization Agents
● Socialization agents are individuals, groups, or institutions that
teach us how to participate in society.
● Family: Parents teach social rules and roles; siblings act as
confidantes; grandparents transmit values and traditions.
● Play, Peer Groups, and Friends: Peer groups are people similar in
age, social status, and interests. Play promotes cognitive and social
development. Friends reinforce behavior and can be positive or
negative role models.
● Teachers and Schools: Enhance cognitive development and teach
different ways to think. Teachers act as instructors, role models, and
disciplinarians.
● Popular Culture and Media: Electronic media usage, including
violence and advertising, is a growing concern.
Socialization Throughout Life and Resocialization
