Sociology Chapter 3.3 Flashcards

Agents of Socialization

• Entities that teach individuals the knowledge and skills necessary for participation in society.
• Can include family, schools, peer groups, mass media, and religious organizations.

Peer Group

• Composed of individuals linked by shared interests and similar social positions.
• Generally consists of members of comparable age, influencing behaviors and social norms.

Mass Media

• Refers to large organizations that utilize print or electronic formats to reach extensive audiences.
• Plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, culture, and social norms.

Gender Socialization

• Involves the communication of specific norms and practices related to femininity and masculinity within a given society.
• Influences individual identity and behaviors based on societal expectations for gender roles.

Racial Socialization

• The transmission of messages and practices concerning one’s racial or ethnic identity.
• Helps shape individual perceptions of race and influences interactions within society.

Anticipatory Socialization

• The preparatory process in which individuals acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for future roles.
• Often involves role-playing or imagining oneself in a different social context.

Social Devaluation

• Occurs when a person or group's worth is perceived as lesser compared to others.
• Can lead to discrimination and marginalization in societal interactions.

Ageism

• Discrimination or prejudice based on an individual's age, primarily targeting older adults.
• Can manifest through negative stereotypes, social exclusion, and biased treatment.

Resocialization

• The process of adopting new attitudes, values, and behaviors that differ from one’s original socialization experiences.
• Often takes place in environments such as rehabilitation centers or during significant life transitions.

Total Institution

• A concept introduced by Erving Goffman, denoting a place where individuals are isolated from the broader society for a specific duration.
• Participants are subject to comprehensive control by institutional authorities, fundamentally altering their social identities.