Chapter 4

Socialization Over the Life Course

Chapter Outline Using the Sociological Imagination Social Participation or Social Deprivation Theoretical Perspectives and Socialization Psychology and Life Course Theories Socialization and the Life Course Doing Research:Socialization and the

Mass Media: Functionalist and Conflict Theories

Socialization One of the most important social

processes in human society. Without it, we would not be able to

participate in group life or develop characteristics we associate with being human.

Theoretical Perspectives: Socialization

Perspective View

FunctionalismContributes to a stable society.

Conflict theoryA way for the powerful to keep things the same.

Symbolicinteractionism

The major determinant of human nature

Sigmund Freud The personality has three parts:

Id - made up of biologically inherited urges and impulses

Ego - the conscious, rational part of the personality

Superego -the conscience

Erik Erikson Described developmental stages

that occur from infancy to old age. Each stage is accompanied by a

psychosocial crisis, or developmental task.

Socialization and personality development are lifelong processes.

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Age Crisis Favorable Outcome

First year Trust vs. mistrust

Faith in the environment and others

2 to 3 Autonomy vs. shame

Feelings of self-control and adequacy

4 to 5 Initiative vs. guilt

Ability to begin one’s own activities

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Age Crisis Favorable Outcome

6 to Industry vs. inferiority

Confidence in productive skills

12 to 18 Identity vs. role confusion

Image of oneself as a unique person

18 to 35 Intimacy vs. isolation

Ability to form bonds of love and friendship

Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development

Age Crisis Favorable Outcome

35-60 Generativity vs. stagnation

Concern for family, society, and future generations

Over age 60

Integrity vs. despair

Sense of dignity and fulfillment; willingness to face death

Jean Piaget Ability to think, know, and reason

develops through interaction with others. Each of us must pass through 4 stages in

the proper developmental sequence: Sensorimotor stage Preoperational stage Concrete operational stage Formal operational stage

Rates of Imprisonment

Availability of Television

Periods in the Eras of Early and Middle Adulthood

Agencies of Socialization Family School Peer group Mass media

Schools and Socialization The first agency of socialization controlled

by nonrelatives. Expose children to standards of

performance applied to everyone. Encourage them to develop loyalties

beyond their own families. Train children to be disciplined, orderly,

cooperative, and conforming.

Peer Groups and Socialization The first agency of socialization not

controlled by adults. Provides young people with experiences

they cannot easily obtain elsewhere. Teach young people to deal with others as

equals. Help them gain experience in self-

direction and establish independence from adults.

Stages of Adult Development Early Adulthood: 18 to 35

Involves a move beyond adolescence and a preliminary step into adulthood

Ends when the individual has made a life within the adult world.

Functions of the media Provide information. Promote social continuity and

integration. Supply entertainment. Explain and interpret events and

information. Mobilize the society when necessary.

Dysfunctions of the mass media Increase social conformity. Legitimate the status quo. Impede social change while promoting

social continuity and integration. Divert the public from serious issues

through trivial entertainment. Shape views through editorializing as they

“interpret” events and information. Create violence via public mobilization.

Conflict Theory and the Media: Marxian View Workers are exploited by being paid less

than they deserve. Consumers are overcharged. Ruling class receives excessive profits. The media are a tool of manipulation by

which the ruling class maintains its power.

Conflict Theory and the Media: Power Elite Evidence that the media is

controlled by the ruling class: Concentration of power in the

media Agenda-setting power of the

media Media’s ability to socialize the

population