Socialization
Which sociologist argued that individuals learn to develop a sense of self through social interaction, distinguishing between the "I" and the "Me"?
George Herbert Mead
Define the term "material culture."
Material culture refers to the physical objects and artifacts produced by a society, such as technology, buildings, and tools.
What is the main difference between consensus and conflict theories in sociology?
Consensus theories, like functionalism, see society as stable and cohesive, while conflict theories, like Marxism, focus on power struggles and inequality between groups.
Which agency of socialization has the most influence during early childhood?
What term did Anderson use to describe societies as mental constructs?
Imagined communities.
How does primary socialization differ from secondary socialization?
Primary socialization occurs in early childhood, mainly through family, while secondary socialization happens later, through institutions like education and media.
How do norms differ from values in shaping human behavior?
Values provide general guidelines about what is important or good in society, while norms are specific rules that guide behavior in particular situations.
How do structuralist theories explain the relationship between individuals and society?
Structuralist theories argue that individuals’ behavior is shaped by overarching social structures, like institutions, which influence thought and action.
How does education work as an agency of socialization?
Education socializes children through formal curricula and hidden curricula, teaching them both academic skills and norms/values that prepare them for their roles in society.
What concept refers to the breakdown of social norms, leading to confusion and normlessness in society, according to Durkheim?
Anomie
The idea that our perception of what is real is created through a variety of historical and cultural processes, rather than something that is fixed and naturally occurring refers is called ______ .
social construction
According to Merton, what is the difference between manifest and latent functions of cultural objects?
Manifest functions are the intended and recognized purposes of an object or action, while latent functions are hidden or unintended consequences.
Explain how functionalism views the role of institutions in maintaining social order.
Functionalism sees institutions, like the family and education, as parts of a social system that work together to maintain stability and order by socializing individuals into shared values.
How does religion use positive and negative sanctions in the process of socialization?
Positive sanctions: Rewards like spiritual blessings, community approval, or promises of salvation for following religious norms.
Negative sanctions: Penalties such as guilt, fear of divine punishment, excommunication, or social ostracism for breaking religious rules.
What does the term social control refer to?
Social control refers to the mechanisms, both formal (laws, institutions) and informal (norms, peer pressure),
Explain the role of peer groups in socialization, using examples.
Explain the role of non-material culture in the social construction of reality.
Non-material culture, such as beliefs, language, and customs, shapes how individuals interpret their world and interact with others, reinforcing shared values and norms.
How does the Marxist perspective explain the role of the state in maintaining class inequality?
Marxists would argue that the state serves the interests of the ruling capitalist class by enforcing laws and policies that protect private property and maintain economic inequality.
Explain the media's role as an agent of socialization in contemporary society.
The media influences behavior by reinforcing norms and values through repeated exposure to ideas and images, promoting consumerism and shaping views on issues like crime or immigration.
How do feral children provide evidence for the significance of socialization?
Feral children, lacking human socialization, often fail to develop normal social and physical behaviors, showing that socialization is crucial for human development.
Explain how the concept of "the looking-glass self" helps us understand the process of socialization.
Cooley’s concept of the looking-glass self explains that individuals develop their self-concept based on how they believe others perceive them, reflecting social interactions like a mirror.
Explain Durkheim's concept of "anomie"
Anomie refers to a state of normlessness or social instability, where individuals are unclear about societal expectations due to the breakdown of norms, leading to confusion and deviant behavior.
How do symbolic interactionists explain the creation of meaning in social interactions?
Symbolic interactionists argue that meaning is created and negotiated through social interactions, with individuals interpreting symbols, gestures, and language based on their social context.
How do peer groups act as agents of socialization in adolescence?
Peer groups influence adolescents' behavior through social pressure, modeling norms, and values. Positive or negative sanctions (such as acceptance or exclusion) enforce conformity within the group.
How do proponents of the nature argument explain the influence of biology on human behavior?
Proponents of the nature argument believe that human behavior is primarily shaped by biological factors, such as genetics and instincts, suggesting that social behaviours (i.e., following norms) are inherited.