Socialization z Importance of socialization z Development of

Socialization z Importance of socialization z Development of self identity and social interaction z Agents of socialization z Resocialization z Socialization and social change

Importance of socialization z Essential for individual survival y lifelong process y nature vs. nurture z Essential for a society’s survival y transmission of values, norms, culture y effects of inadequate socialization

Socialization is needed and occurs because humans: y have no instincts and so must learn everything y have a long period of infant dependency y have a need for social contact y have the ability to learn and the capacity for language

Development of Self z The development of self takes place within social contexts.

Interactionist Perspective: George Herbert Mead z First two Stages of development: 1. preparatory = imitate 2. play = pretend

Stage 3: Learn to Role Take with The Generalized Other 3. Game stage= organized activities & games in a group context Role taking with the generalized other

Role Taking z Essential to learn to role take with the generalized other in order to be fully socialized. y Role taking is an empathetic process of putting oneself in the place of others. y What if the person cannot role take with the generalized other or other people?

Agents of Socialization SCHOOLS FAMILY MEDIA PEERS

Family z z Most important agent Primary group Infancy to 5 or 6 Provides: y social position y emotional support y physical support y role models

Socialization and Social Class: Melvin Kohn Study: Blue Collar Working Class material rewards & punishments communication as command child figures out what parents want stress on obedience White Collar “Middle” Class symbolic rewards & punishments communication as interaction parents figure out what child wants stress on autonomy

Mass Media & Socialization z Types of mass media: y movies, television y print- magazines and newspapers, books, etc. y music y electronic communications

z Functions to socialize: y y y provides information contact with others viewpoints on issues access to consumer culture entertainment education? z Positive and negative aspects