Socialization Reflection n n What does it mean

Socialization

Reflection n n What does it mean to be human? What is the source of our “humanness”? Are we born with these human characteristics n Or, do we develop them through our interactions with others? n

Socialization n The lifelong process of social interaction through which individuals acquire a self-identity and the physical, mental, and social skills needed for survival in society. In other words, socialization is the process by which people learn characteristics of their group’s norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors.

Example – What is Masculinity? n n How is the man in this video been socialized to be “masculine”? Was he born that way or did he learn to act the way he does? Masculinity Video #1 Are the men it this video portraying the same level of masculinity as the man in the first video? Masculinity Video #2

Hypothesize n n n If we are socialized by external forces (nurture), are there any aspects of our social selves that might be in-born (nature). Is our need for human affection a product of nature or nurture? What can the monkeys tell us?

What does the “looking glass” tell us about ourselves?

The Looking Glass Self n n n Imagine how your personality and appearance looks to other people How are they judging you? Is your self-concept favorable or unfavorable?

Twenty Statements Test n There are twenty numbered blanks on the page below. Please write twenty answers to the simple question “Who am I? ” in the blanks. Just give twenty different answers to this question; answer as if you were giving the answers to yourself- not someone else. After each response, write in parentheses the entity (parents, friends, church, school, the government, MTV, etc. ) that helped make you “who you are. ” Write your answers in the order that they occur to you. Don’t worry about logic or “importance. ” WHO AM I?

THINK n How did you describe yourself? Did you describe yourself in terms of social roles (student, friend, daughter) or personal qualities (fast, intelligent, popular). Did the answers reflect positive aspects of self, negative elements, or neutral qualities? Think back to the list of entities that served to socialize you. Are you (we) over-socialized? What degree of “free will” do you (we) have in our socialization?