Socialization Study Guide
Identification
Self-concept - an image of yourself as having and identity separate from other people
Looking-glass self - an image of yourself based on what you believe others think of you
Significant others -those people whose reactions are most important to your self-concept
Desocialization - the process of giving up old norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors
Resocialization - the process of adopting new norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors
"Me" - the part of the self formed through socialization
"I" - the part of the self that accounts for the unlearned, spontaneous acts
Generalized other - integrated conception of the norms, values, and beliefs of one's
community or society
Peer group - set of individuals of roughly the same age and interests
Short Answer
When doing a study, what are each of the following:
Experimental group? Variable group being studied
Control group?
Group setting the standard
What is a total institution? Give two examples.
Places in which people are separated from society and controlled by officials in charge.
E.G. Prison, military
What is the effect of mass media on socialization?
Answers May Vary
What are the stages of Role-taking? Explain.
Imitation Stage - physical and verbal behavior imitate without understanding
Play Stage - imagining and acting as others would
Game Stage - ability to take on the roles of multiple roles
What was Harry Harlow's experiment? How does it affect socialization?
Tested socialization in monkeys. Concluded that intimacy and human contact is
as important as food and water.
What are three examples of hidden curriculum in the school?
Answers may Vary
How does socialization affect the development of a person's personality?
Our personality is partially determined by our socialization.
How does symbolic interactionism theory relate to socialization?
Perspective that looks at our socialization as a product of our society.
Includes: self-concept, looking-glass self
How does functionalist theory relate to socialization?
How groups work together to create a stable society.
How does conflict theory relate to socialization?
A way of perpetuating the status quo.
How does role taking theory relate to socialization?
We imagine the roles of others and develop socially accordingly.
Do you think that the results of Harry Harlow’s research on monkeys can be applied to humans?
Why or why not?
Answers will vary based on opinion.
This chapter discussed three girls who had been denied normal social contact when they were
young. What single factor seemed to have the greatest effect on the long-term impact of this
isolation?
Answer may vary. Is affected by the amount and type of social interaction or isolation of
the child.
Do you think the game stage is important in young children? Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
Children frequently play card games such as “Go Fish.” What social skills are learned
from such a game?
Answers will vary.
Is school a total institution? Why or why not?
Answers will vary.
Define socialization. Include and discuss examples of its significance and importance to
American culture.
Socialization is a general process of learning social norms of culture or learning to
participate in group life beginning at birth and continuing throughout life; assists in infant
developing personality (attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors); rewards for acceptable
behaviors; development of social skills; development of self-esteem; gender behavior;
how we learn our culture; learning of social norms, expected behaviors; social isolation
affects physical, emotional, and intellectual (mental) growth. Without learning what’s
acceptable in the society in which one lives, chaos will result. Folkways, mores, and laws
will more than likely be broken.
Using the concept of hidden curriculum, describe the socialization process of American students
in public and/or private schools.
Schools are major socialization agents; reading, writing, and arithmetic are a small part of
education; never stated overtly; simply known and understood. Students prepare for adult
life learning discipline, order, cooperation, and conformity in school. School’s set time
schedule resembles the adult work place; rules and regulations regulate behaviors (school
rules such as dress code). Students are isolated from family members while in school and
learn: peer group trust; unstated norms, values, beliefs; respect for conformity,
attendance, work ethic; possible gender gaps from varying behavioral expectations;
adoption of white, middle-class values for success.