SocializationSocializationChapter 4

What is Socialization?What is Socialization?

The lifelong process of social interaction though which individuals acquire a self-identity and the physical, mental, and social skills needed for survival in society.

PolleverywherePolleverywhere

http://www.polleverywhere.com/my/polls#!/my/polls

Agents of SocializationAgents of Socialization

The persons, groups, or institutions that teach us what we need to know in order to participate in society: family, school, peers, media, religion, work, etc.

The FamilyThe Family

The initial love and nurturing we receive form our families are central to our cognitive, emotional, and physical development…see Anna & Genie Pg. 107.

Functionalist perspective on Family.Functionalist perspective on Family.

• Families are the primary focus for the procreation and socialization of children.

• Sense of self, beliefs & values• We learn about the dominant culture and

subcultures• Acquire social position

Conflict perspective on Family.Conflict perspective on Family.

• Stress that socialization attributes to false consciousness – a lack of awareness and a distorted perception of reality of class as it affects all aspects of social life.

• It reaffirms the class structure in the next generation

Symbolic interactionist perspective on Family.Symbolic interactionist perspective on Family.

Children affect their parents’ lives and change the overall household environment.

SchoolSchool

Specific knowledge and skillsProfound effect on children’s self-image,

beliefs, and values.

Functionalist perspective on School.Functionalist perspective on School.

Schools are responsible for:•Teaching students to be productive members of society (How? What does this mean? Is it possible?)•Transmission of culture•Social control and personal development•The selection, training, and placement of individuals on different rungs in society…is this true? At the high school level are you already “formed”?

Conflict perspective on School.Conflict perspective on School.

• Experiences depend on social class, ethnic background, community, gender, etc.

• Hidden curriculum: Children learn to value competition, materialism, work over play, obedience to authority, and attentiveness.

Symbolic interactionist perspective on Symbolic interactionist perspective on School.School.

• Focus on how daily interactions and practices in schools affect the construction of students’ beliefs regarding such things as patriotism, feelings of aggression or cooperation, and gender practices as they influence boys and girls.

Peer Groups.Peer Groups.

Is a group of people who are linked by common interests, equal social position, and (usually) similar age.

• Contributing to our sense of ‘belonging’ and our feelings of self-worth

• Provide a sense of freedom from authority figures.

• Teach and reinforce cultural norms and acceptable behaviour.

Peer pressurePeer pressure

• Individuals must earn acceptance by conforming to a group’s norms, attitudes, speech patterns, and dress codes.

• Rewards for conforming and ridiculed or expelled for not conforming.

• Does peer pressure exist? Explain. Give examples? Does peer pressure impact students at Sackville High?

Mass mediaMass media

• Inform• Introduce us to a wide variety of people.• Provide viewpoints in current issues.• Make us aware of products and services,

that if we purchase them, supposedly help us get accepted.

• Entertainment.

Pros and cons of watching TV?Pros and cons of watching TV?

Show &Tell AssignmentShow &Tell Assignment• Bring in an item that has meaning to you to

share with the class tomorrow.