Theories of Socialization

The Psychosexual Theory Freud’s Theory of how the self emerges through stages States that we are born with an impulse to seek pleasure and avoid pain (Id, Ego, Superego) If Id consistently wins the internal battle = selfish, inconsiderate If Ego consistently wins the internal battle = extremely considerate of others Freud believed that personality development was connected to bodily functions such as sex and bodily waste removal

StageAgeId’s Pleasure FocusSigns in Adulthood that the Id Won OralBirth-18 monthsOral gratification Sucking breast/bottle Placing things in mouth Overeating Smoking Nail-biting Anal18 months – 3 yrsBowel Pleasure Resistance of Toilet Training Meanness Resentment of Authority Neatness Phallic3-6 yrsAwareness of sex organs Love-hate relationship with same- sex parents Selfishness Manipulative Poor opposite sex relationships Latency6 yrs – pubertySame-sex friends, few opposite sex friends Lack of close friends GenitalAdolscenceDating and Marriage Sexual energy Guilt about sexuality Feelings of inadequacy Poor sexual relationships

The Cognitive Development Theory Piaget’s Theory of how the self emerges in a step-by- step process based on mastery at each stage Based on belief that babies are incapable of surviving on their own Humans must learn to adapt to new situations Individuals organize their learning in a way that makes sense to them The process is limited to the natural development of the human brain 30% of adults have not reached the formal operational stage

StageAgeCharacteristics SensorimotorBirth – 2 yrs- Learn by touching - Egocentric (see selves as centre, do not understand that a situation may look different to others) - Understands that something exists only when they can see it. Pre-operational2-7 yrs- Understands symbols - Understands that something exists even whey they cannot see it (i.e. understands the concepts of “dog” or “cat” even when they cannot see one). - Cannot appreciate that the other child may have been right and that they may have been wrong. Concrete Operational 7-11 yrs-Have logic -Understand that a set of objects (i.e. seven marbles) still have the same quantity when arranged in a different pattern. -Understand that two glasses of different shape can contain the same amount of liquid -Understand principles of measurement and size Formal Operational 11 years +-Can think abstractly -Understands that situations may look different to others (contrast with egocentrism in sensorimotor stage) -Can see another person may be right and that they may be wrong.

The Psychosocial Development Theory Erickson’s theory on the stages of human development Each stage poses a conflict between personal wants and family or societal expectations Self emerges as we – successfully or unsuccessfully – resolve each crisis point of conflict More successful the resolution, the more prepared the person is to move to the next stage One completes themselves once all stages are passed If not able to successfully pass all stages, self is constantly resentful of lost opportunities

StageAgeExperiences Promoting Positive Socialization Experiences Promoting Negative Socialization Trust vs. Mistrust Birth – 1 yearParental care of physical and psychosocial needs Lack of physical care, uncertainty of parental love Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt 2 yearsEncouragement of independence, clear discipline Criticism, lack of encouragement, overprotective discipline Initiative vs. Guilt 3 – 5 yearsEncouragement of child’s interests, parental pride, and confidence. Criticism of child failures Industry vs. Inferiority 6-12 yearsGuidance and praise of academic and social development. Too high or too low expectations for success in school. Identity vs. Diffusion AdolescenceStrong role models to promote self esteem and life goals. Lack of role models, social demands causing inner turmoil. Intimacy vs. Isolation Young Adulthood Healthy identity, concern for others, involvement in caring relationships. Overemphasis on self over others, fear of being hurt through bad relationships Generativity vs. Isolation AdulthoodMaking good personal decisions, success, enjoyment of work, concern for growth of others Lack of concern for others, being self-centred, becoming despairing. Integrity vs. Despair Old AgeSelf-confidence, having led a complete life, sense of satisfaction Depression, lacking fulfillment, sense of failure.

Preview into Grade 12 Sociology HSB 4M More on... – The Social Experience Theory (Cooley and Mead) – The Moral Development Theory (Kohlberg)

More on Social Identity Read the following two case studies: – Group Conflict: Sherif’s Robbers Cave Experiment (page. 258) – Henri Tajfel: The Social Identity Theory (page ) Answer questions: 1. What do the case studies tell us about group membership and social identity? 2. What objects/experiences have formed you into a group in your lifetime? 3. Group membership can be important in providing protection and identity. Explain an example of this. 4. Looking back over the various socialization theories, which one do you think is most correct in defining human nature? Which stage outlined in your theory of choice do you think is most difficult to overcome?