Sociology Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the nature vs. nurture debate?

Nature refers to genetics that provide capacity, while nurture pertains to socialization that internalizes culture.

What is socialization?

The process by which we gradually learn and internalize our culture to become functioning members of society.

How is socialization a two-fold process?

It involves society teaching individuals to become members of society and individuals internalizing the values and norms of the group.

What are the goals of socialization?

To teach skills necessary for survival and to ensure adherence to cultural norms. Signup and view all the answers

What do we know of the importance of socialization from cases of social isolation?

Without socialization, individuals lack qualities associated with being human. Signup and view all the answers

What do we know about adult socialization?

It involves learning in contexts like school, work, and family; adults continually face new roles. Signup and view all the answers

What is role exit?

The process of leaving a role that we will no longer occupy. Signup and view all the answers

What is resocialization?

Replacing old norms, values, and beliefs with new ones. Signup and view all the answers

What is a total institution?

An agent of resocialization that controls and regulates individuals, cutting them off from society. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of a total institution?

Controlled and regulated environment. Signup and view all the answers

How would structural functionalists view the self?

As status and roles that contribute to social stability. Signup and view all the answers

What is a status?

A position in a social hierarchy that carries a particular set of expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of statuses?

Ascribed, embodied, and achieved. Signup and view all the answers

What is a role?

A set of behaviors expected of someone because of their status. Signup and view all the answers

What is role conflict?

Conflicts occurring between two or more statuses. Signup and view all the answers

What is role strain?

Strain experienced within one status. Signup and view all the answers

How do symbolic interactionists view the self?

As created through interactions with others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the self?

The individual's conscious, reflexive experience of personal identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is Freud's theory of self (id, ego, superego)?

Id: biological drives; ego: mediating between id and superego; superego: conscience that inhibits id. Signup and view all the answers

What is Cooley's concept of the looking-glass self?

We act like mirrors to each other, reflecting back images of ourselves. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 steps of the looking-glass self concept?

<ol> <li>We imagine how we appear to others. 2. We imagine others' judgment of us. 3. We experience self-feelings.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What do we need to remember about the looking-glass self?

It is perception-based; not all opinions are equal. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mead's view of the self?

The self has a dual nature, comprising the 'I' and the 'Me'. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of Mead's 3 stages of development?

Preparatory stage: imitation; play stage: role-taking; game stage: taking on multiple roles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Nature involves genetics that provide potential, whereas nurture pertains to socialization that fulfills this potential.

Socialization

A gradual process through which individuals learn and internalize their culture, enabling them to become functioning members of society.

Two-Fold Process of Socialization

Society teaches individuals to integrate into the community.
Individuals internalize group values and norms, affecting both personal and societal levels.

Goals of Socialization

Equips members with essential skills for survival and societal continuity.
Imparts cultural norms, values, and beliefs, promoting adherence to shared lifestyles.

Importance of Socialization

Cases of social isolation highlight the necessity of social interaction for the development of human qualities.

Adult Socialization

Occurs through various life stages such as education, work, and family.
Adults constantly face new social roles, indicating that they are never fully socialized.

Role Exit

The process of leaving a social role, which may require resocialization.

Resocialization

Involves adopting new norms, values, and beliefs, leading to the formation of a new identity.

Total Institution

An entity that facilitates resocialization by isolating individuals from society and managing their behavior.

Characteristics of a Total Institution

Operates under controlled and regulated conditions.

Structural Functionalism and Self

Views stability in society as reliant on the status and roles of individuals.

Status

Refers to a position within a social hierarchy with specific expectations.

Types of Statuses

Ascribed: innate traits assigned at birth.
Embodied: derived from physical attributes.
Achieved: obtained through individual effort or societal imposition.

Role

Comprises expected behaviors linked to an individual's status.

Role Conflict

Arises when a person faces competing demands from multiple statuses.

Role Strain

Occurs when demands within a single status are overwhelming.

Symbolic Interactionism and Self

Suggests that the self is developed through interactions with others.

Understanding the Self

Represents an individual's conscious experience as distinct from others.

Freud's Theory of Self

Id: Represents biological urges driven by pleasure.
Ego: Balances the demands of the id and superego.
Superego: Embodies the conscience, governing moral standards.

Looking-Glass Self (Cooley)

Concept explaining how individuals reflect each other's perceptions, forming a self-image.

Steps of the Looking-Glass Self

Imagining one's appearance to others.
Considering others' judgments of oneself.
Experiencing feelings about oneself based on perceived evaluations.

Key Points about the Looking-Glass Self

Based on perceptions; not all judgments carry equal weight.

Mead's View of the Self

Proposes a dual nature of self, consisting of the "I" and the "Me."

Characteristics of "I" and "Me"

"I": Represents the spontaneous and creative aspect.
"Me": Reflects the socially constructed aspect, adhering to societal norms.

Mead's Stages of Development

Preparatory Stage: Children imitate without comprehension.
Play Stage: Role-taking occurs, with children acting out different personas.
Game Stage: Children grasp multiple roles, developing understanding of society's "generalized other."

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Description

Explore key concepts from Sociology Chapter 4 with these flashcards. Learn about the nature vs. nurture debate and the essential process of socialization. This resource is designed to help you internalize the cultural frameworks that shape society.