1. Socialization

3. I. What is Human Nature? Isolated children show what humans might be like if secluded from society at an early age E.g., Genie Studies show that human traits (intelligence, cooperation, behavior, friendliness) result from early close relationships with other humans Human interaction is required for “normal” human development

4. II. Theories of Socialization A. Charles Horton Cooley (1864-1929) – Looking-Glass Self Human development is socially created and our sense of self develops from interaction with others We imagine how we look to others; we interpret others’ reactions to us; we develop a self-concept A favorable reflection in the social mirror leads to positive self-concept, and negative reflection leads to a negative self-concept. Even misjudgments become part of our self- concept

5. II. Theories of Socialization B. George Herbert Mead Humans take on the roles of others, and internalize their expectations Significant others – People whose reactions are most important to your self concept Generalized other – Integrated conception of norms, values, and beliefs of one’s community and society Three stages 1. Imitation Stage– copying behaviors without understanding 2. Play Stage– Acting in ways you imagine other people act 3. Game Stage – Anticipating actions of others based on social rules

6. II. Theories of Socialization Mead, continued The self as “me” and “I” “me” – the part of self formed through socialization  Predictability and conformity “I” – the part of self that accounts for unlearned, spontaneous acts. First reaction to the self comes from the “I” but is then mediated by the socialized “me”

7. III. Agents of Socialization Family 1. Language 2. Sense of self 3. Emotions and attitudes 4. Norms, beliefs, values 5. Capacity for relationships Influenced by social class Working-class parents stress outward conformity of children, physical punishment Middle-class parents show greater concern for children’s motivations of behavior, withhold privileges as punishment

8. B. Mass Media Television Radio Movies Music Books, magazines, etc. Internet

9. C. Peers Social skills in group situations with social equals Negotiation, leadership, cooperation, compromise Boys vs. Girls?

10. D. School Official curriculum: knowledge and skills learned in math, English, science, social studies, etc. Hidden curriculum: rules of behavior, such as obedience, patriotism, competitiveness, conformity, etc.

11. Re-socialization Total institutions – places where people are separated from the rest of society and controlled by officials in charge E.g., prison, sanitarium, boarding school, etc. De-socialization - to remove from a customary social environment Re-socialization - radically changing a person's personality by carefully controlling the environment E.g., the military

12. Classwork Apply Cooley’s (“looking glass”) and Mead’s (“role taking”) theories of socialization to explain how each of these agents of socialization affect you. Cooley (Looking Glass) Mead (Role Taking) Family Media Peers School