Socialization Theory and John Locke

Becoming a Member of Society

• Society is a complex system that involves various processes
• Socialization is a lifelong process of social interaction shaping identities and necessary survival skills.
• It molds an individual's awareness and understanding of their society's culture, values, rules, and ways.
• Socialization is influenced by the social groups and contexts individuals interact with.

Socialization and John Locke

• John Locke theorized that the human mind at birth is a blank slate (tabula rasa).
• Babies are born without knowledge; they acquire information through senses.
• Sensory experiences and outside-world information shape a person's awareness and worldview.

Socialization - Different Sociological Perspectives

• Functionalist sociologists believe in internalization.
• They see it as the process of accepting social norms, values, and rules.
• If people deviate from their expected roles or behaviors, that signals incomplete or inadequate socialization
• Interpretive sociologists consider socialization as an interactive process.
• They emphasize the individual's capacity to define personal views and ideas.

Enculturation

• Enculturation is the process of learning a specific culture through observation and interaction.
• Individuals learn cultural symbols, norms, values, and language through interaction with family, friends, teachers, and the rest of society.

Agents of Socialization

• Family: The primary agent; molds individuals from birth through childhood
• Schools: Play a crucial role in shaping students' beliefs, values, and attitudes through academic and social activities.
• Peer Groups: Groups of people with shared interests or characteristics (like age and background), influencing behavior and attitudes.
• Religion and State: Seen as ultimate sources of authority; shaping behavior through religious learning and governance.

Conformity and Deviance

• Conformity: Adjusting thoughts and actions to fit into the accepted behaviors of a group or society.
• It's about aligning with group criteria.
• Deviance: Behavior that elicits a negative response and violates social norms.
• Different forms of deviance exist (innovation, ritualism, retreatism, rebellion).

The Chameleon Effect

• A social psychology phenomenon where people unconsciously mimic the behaviors and characteristics of others to blend in with the environment.

Why Conform?

• The reason for the need to conform is not explicitly stated

Social Control

• Social control involves systematic methods used to maintain norms, laws, and rules.
• It regulates conflict and discourages deviant behavior
• It aims to protect human dignity, rights, and common good.

Sanctions

• Sanctions are a common means of social control used to address conflicts and violations of social norms.
• Types of sanctions include formal (laws) and informal (societal norms).

Purpose of Sanctions

• The precise purpose of sanctions isn't stated explicitly

Types of Sanctions

• Formal: Sanctions based on laws and regulations, and these specify certain behaviors as crimes and outline corresponding punishment
• Informal: Sanctions that do not have codified laws; they are a result of social norms and community standards

Human Dignity

• Human dignity is the inherent right to be valued, respected, and treated well.

Protected Rights

• The Bill of Rights covers natural, civil, political, and economic rights, including the rights of the accused.
• Common goods are fundamental for any partnership or society.

Human Rights

• Human rights are fundamental and inalienable rights inherent to all human beings.
• They are based on various criteria, regardless of race, religion, status, etc.
• Basic human rights include the right to life, freedom, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of expression, and the right to work and education.