Sociology Test #3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the sum total of behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values that are characteristic of an individual?

Personality

Explain the opposing viewpoints in the 'nature vs. nurture' debate.

Some believe that heredity shapes our personality and behavior (nature), while others believe that our society and environment shape our personality and behavior (nurture).

How do most social scientists view the 'nature vs. nurture' debate?

Sociologists believe that a combination of nature and nurture shapes personality, but mainly nurture.

List the 4 main factors that influence personality and behavior and explain them.

Birth Order, Parental Characteristics, Cultural Environment, Heredity Signup and view all the answers

Explain the two main theories that attempt to explain how we develop a sense of self.

Cooley's 'Looking-Glass Self' and Meade's Role Taking Signup and view all the answers

What is Locke's Tabula Rasa theory?

Locke believed that each newborn is a 'tabula rasa', or clean slate, and that personality is acquired through social experiences. Signup and view all the answers

List the 4 main agents of socialization and explain how each one works.

The Family, The Peer Group, The School, The Mass Media Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'total institution'?

Provide settings for resocialization to occur. Signup and view all the answers

_____ is the period between the normal onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood.

adolescence Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 factors that make adolescence a distinct stage of the life cycle?

Mandatory Education, Exclusion from the Workforce, Juvenile Justice System Signup and view all the answers

List the five main characteristics of adolescence.

Biological growth and development, Undefined Status, Finding oneself, Increased Decision Making, Increased Pressure from a variety of sources Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between dating and courtship.

Courtship's express purpose is eventual marriage, while dating is more flexible and easier to break off. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the changing trends in dating.

People are more likely to call their date on a cell phone, pick them up in a car, and be less formally dressed than before. Signup and view all the answers

List the 5 main functions of dating.

Mate Selection, Recreation, Socialization, Fills basic psychological needs, Status attainment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Personality and Development

Personality is defined as the sum of behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values that characterize an individual.
The "nature vs. nurture" debate centers on heredity versus environment in shaping personality and behavior.
Some argue that heredity (nature) predominates, while others emphasize societal and environmental impacts (nurture).
Most sociologists advocate that both factors influence personality, focusing more on the role of nurture.

Influences on Personality and Behavior

Birth Order: Firstborns tend to be cautious and goal-oriented, while later-born children often excel in social situations.
Parental Characteristics: Factors like income, education, and religion significantly affect personality development.
Cultural Environment: Influences such as urban versus rural settings and demographic characteristics impact behavior and personality.
Heredity: Genetic predispositions and inherent aptitudes contribute to personality traits from birth.

Theories of Self-Development

Cooley's "Looking-Glass Self": Describes an interactive process where one develops self-image based on perceived judgments from others.
Meade's Role Taking: Involves understanding oneself through the perspective of others.

Socialization Agents

The Family: Key agent where children learn social behaviors, emotional bonds, and societal values.
The Peer Group: Influences personality as individuals seek acceptance and approval from peers.
The School: Provides extra-curricular opportunities that prepare students for larger societal interactions.
The Mass Media: Has a significant impact on children, with more exposure to media than formal education, potentially normalizing violence.

Adolescence

Adolescence is the transitional period between puberty and adulthood, characterized by unique social and developmental milestones.
Factors distinguishing adolescence include mandatory education, exclusion from the workforce, and the juvenile justice system.

Characteristics and Functions of Dating

Core characteristics of adolescence include:
- Biological growth and development
- Undefined social status
- Self-discovery
- Increased decision-making capacity
- Rising pressure from various sources
Dating vs. Courtship: Courtship is purpose-driven toward marriage, while dating is more flexible and easier to break off.
Changing trends in dating now include convenience methods like cell phone communication, less emphasis on formal introductions, and casual attire.
Functions of dating encompass:
- Mate selection
- Recreation
- Socialization
- Satisfying psychological needs
- Status attainment

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Description

Test your understanding of key sociology concepts with this set of flashcards focused on personality, nature vs. nurture debates, and more. Perfect for students preparing for their sociology exams, these flashcards cover essential definitions and theories.