30 Questions
What is a common difference in the way blue-collar and middle-class families approach their children's future?
Middle-class families encourage their children to pursue professional careers, while blue-collar families do not.
According to Patricia and Peter Adler, what determines popularity among girls in primary schools?
Upbringing, outward appearance, and social connections
Why is it challenging to go against a peer group?
Because the guiding principle is 'conformity or rejection'
What is a significant way in which mass media influences society?
By shaping people's attitudes, beliefs, and values
What is a key aspect of religion in American culture?
It serves as a moral compass for both religious and nonreligious individuals
What is a common outcome when individuals defy their peer group's norms?
They are labeled as an 'outsider' or 'non-member'
What is a significant factor that contributes to the perpetuation of social class, economic, and political systems around the world?
Schools
What is the primary reason why blue-collar employees emphasize compliance?
They want their children to live similar lives to their own
According to sociological analysis, what is a common characteristic of children from underprivileged areas?
They are more likely to encounter legal issues
What is the unintended consequence of formal education?
Socialisation
What is the 'cultural message' of a school?
Principles like patriotism, democracy, and justice
Why are children from wealthy families more likely to attend private schools?
Because they are born into a higher socioeconomic class
What is the primary function of formal education?
Teaching knowledge and abilities
What is the primary difference between how middle-class parents and blue-collar parents behave?
Middle-class parents prioritize initiative, while blue-collar parents prioritize conformity
Who is the sociologist who studied how parents socialize their children based on their social position?
Melvin Kohn
What is the primary concern of working-class parents in terms of socializing their children?
Keeping them out of trouble
What do middle-class parents emphasize when socializing their children?
Negotiation and self-expression
What is the name of the institution where total institutions take place?
De-socialization and re-socialization center
What do we acquire from our familial experiences?
Our core views, values, and drives
Why do working-class parents frequently use physical punishment as a form of discipline?
Because they believe it is an effective way to keep their children out of trouble
What is the result of our familial experiences?
We acquire our fundamental sense of self
What percentage of Americans claim to attend religious services on a weekly basis?
Two out of every five
What is a benefit of attending religious services, besides acquiring doctrine, morals, and values?
Promoting social mobility for the underprivileged
What is the primary purpose of total institutions?
To re-socialize people with new beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
What is an example of a situation where resocialization takes place?
When someone becomes a nun
What is a characteristic of total institutions, according to Erving Goffman?
They are cut off from the rest of society
What is the purpose of a degradation ceremony in a total institution?
To remove the individual's current identity
What is removed from a person's personal identity kit in a total institution?
Their clothing, jewellery, haircuts, and other body decorations
What is the purpose of guards, gates, fences, and bars in a total institution?
To keep prisoners in and outsiders out
What is an example of a total institution, according to the text?
A convent
Study Notes
Agents of Socialization
- Family is the first entity to have a significant impact on an individual, shaping their perspectives, feelings, attitudes, and behavior
- Familial experiences have a lifelong impact, influencing an individual's core views, values, and drives
- Family socialization varies based on social class:
- Working-class parents prioritize keeping their kids out of trouble and use physical punishment as a form of discipline
- Middle-class parents emphasize encouraging curiosity, self-expression, and self-control, and are more likely to negotiate with their kids
The Neighbourhood
- Sociological analysis supports the idea that some neighborhoods are better for kids than others
- Children from underprivileged areas are more likely to encounter legal issues, become pregnant, drop out of school, and experience worse mental health in later life
- Wealthy neighborhoods have a higher level of community cohesion, with adults keeping a closer eye on kids and knowing each other and their kids
The School
- School serves as an agent of socialization, teaching knowledge and skills like reading, writing, and math
- Schools also have a "latent" function, teaching principles and values that benefit society, such as universality and patriotism
- Schools can perpetuate social class, economic, and political systems of their respective countries
- Sociologists have discovered that schools have a "secret curriculum" that includes principles like sexism, racism, and coolness
Peer Groups
- Peer groups have a significant influence on individuals, especially during preteen and teenage years
- Peer groups can dictate norms, fashion trends, and dating norms
- Peer groups can also influence behaviors, such as drug use, dishonest behavior, or theft
Mass Media
- Mass media, including television, movies, social media, and advertising, are significant agents of socialization
- Mass media influences people's attitudes, beliefs, and values, and can shape political beliefs and health-related behaviors
Religion
- Religion has a significant impact on individuals, even those who do not attend religious services regularly
- Religion can serve as a moral compass, shaping values and beliefs
- Religious institutions can provide a sense of identity and belonging, and can promote social mobility for the underprivileged
De-socialization and Re-socialization: Total Institutions
- Total institutions, such as prisons, mental health facilities, and military boot camps, are designed to re-socialize people with new beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors
- De-socialization involves eliminating a person's personal belongings, attire, and haircut, and establishing a uniform setting
- Re-socialization involves learning new standards, ideals, attitudes, and behaviors to fit new circumstances
This quiz covers the agents of socialization, including family, school, peer group, mass media, and religion, and their impact on our perspectives and behavior.
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