Sociology

CHAPTER 5: “The Process of Socialization”

SUMMARY

        This chapter talks about socialization. What is socialization in the first place? In simple terms, socialization is a continuing process whereby one acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position (Web Dictionary). John Locke’s ideas of nature (biological inheritance) vs. nurture (social-cultural environment) gave rise to new concepts about personality that we had no innate ideas; our minds are blank slates. The conflict between these two factors are ideally correct and are evidently manifested by individual in the social world.

Biological traits are transferred from parents to offspring through genes in the chromosomes of the sex cells which provide “raw material” for the formation of our personality. These genetically determined qualities set limits on the range of things a person can do, but to the extent to which these traits can be developed depends on the sociocultural environment.

The cultural and social environment are distinct but interrelated. The influence of a cultural environment is not limited to child rearing techniques. Person’s personality are honed according to and depending on one’s culture and subculture. Social environment on the other hand, refers to the immediate physical (groups) and social setting (social interaction) in which people live in or which something happens or develops.

Lots of theories were formulated by well-known people in their respective fields:

1. First, Edward Wilson suggested that social behavior is determined by inborn genetic traits and that biological variation (mutation) follows once individual is exposed to the environment.,
2. Sigmund Freud, proposed the Psychoanalytic Theory of Personality consisted of three major systems (id, ego, and superego). Freud also developed the five stages of Psychosexual Development.,
3. proponents of Cultural determinism, believed that culture plays a significant role in determining the person’s behaviors and how he or she pattern his or her behaviors based on the culture that was shared with him or her.,
4. the Symbolic Interactionism by G.H. Mead and C.H. Cooley, expounded that language is crucial in the development of the social self. Cooley also developed a social psychological concept known as the “looking-glass self”, stating that a person’s self grows out of society’s interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others.,
5. Lastly, Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgical Approach, elaborated the idea of role and role performance. How individual acts on a certain situation or his intention to impress or express his or her feelings in a social environment.

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REACTION

        (see page 99, par. 3, sentence no. 4). The literature of American sociology cites cases of extreme social isolation where early social interaction is absent; there is no training and inculcation of social values, norms, attitudes and beliefs, no warmth, comfort, and love in relation to the infant.

        Even the ancient civilizations built their society based on their practices and the things they believed into. Basically, they have one thing in common thus social-cultural environment exist back then. Though there are historical records of conflicts within the civilization certain disputes were settled based on their norms, laws, and practices.

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