Theories of Socialization

Theories of Socialization

• Socialization is the process in which individuals learn and internalize the norms and values of society, enabling effective participation within it.
• It involves a bidirectional interaction where individuals influence and are influenced by their environment.

Main Theories of Socialization

• Psychosexual Development Theory (Sigmund Freud)
  • Personality develops through five stages: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital.
  • The conflict between biological impulses and social norms defines personality.
• Freud's Personality Theory
  • The personality consists of three element i.e id, ego and superego.
    • Id deals with basic impulses and immediate needs.
    • Ego regulates impulses and balances reality.
    • Superego incorporates internalized social norms and values.
• Social Behaviorism Theory (George Herbert Mead)
  • The "self" develops through social interaction.
  • Includes the concept of the "I" (active part) and the "Me" (self-image based on others' perspectives).

Theories of Social Inequality, Poverty, and Social Classes

Explanations of Social Inequality

• Functionalist Theory (Davis and Moore)
  • Inequality is viewed as necessary and functional.
  • More important social positions receive greater rewards, based on the concept of meritocracy.
• Conflict Theory (Karl Marx)
  • Social stratification benefits a few and harms others.
  • Characterized by class struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners of production) and the proletariat (exploited workers).
  • Proletarian revolution is predicted as a result of inequality.
• Max Weber's Theory
  • Inequality is based on three dimensions: economic class, social status, and power.
  • Acknowledges a multidimensional hierarchy rather than clear class divisions.

Theories of Poverty

• Modernization Theory
  • Inequality arises from unequal technological development among countries.
• Dependency Theory
  • Claims that rich countries have exploited and impoverished low-income countries.

Economy, Consumption, and Employment

Concept of Economy

• It involves institutions regulating production, distribution, and consumption, not just dealing with money.
• It Influences all spheres of society: family, politics, and media.

Economic Systems

• Capitalism: private property and free markets.
• Socialism: state control of the economy.
• Communism: collective ownership without social classes.
• Democratic socialism and state capitalism: hybrid models.

Economic Transformations

• Agricultural Revolution: the use of plows and animal domestication.
• Industrial Revolution: introduction of the steam engine, factories, and large-scale production.
• IT Revolution: transition from manual to digital labor.
• Globalization: worldwide economic integration.

Labor Market and Unemployment

• Workers are displaced because of technological advances.
• The service sector and telecommuting are growing.
• Subcontracting and labor exploitation occur in developing countries.

Consumption

• Consumption is more than a necessity, it is a social and cultural practice.
• Consumption is influenced by marketing and personal identity.