Asha Pulliam

Soc 1

1.

Nature and Nurture: What do twin studies tell us about nature/nurture? Also,

discuss the influence of heredity in explaining the process of ones personality and
intellectual development. Provide examples. The twin studies tell us that nature and
nurture both play a part in developing one's overall self. In the study there was
evidence that would conclude that we develop some of our personality and
intelligence through biology. In the twin study found similarities in the voice patterns,
temperament,leadership factors, etc. All of these factors into shaping their personality.
The twins also did not differ far apart in their intellectual development, their results on
a test were very close and it said that their score was much closer to each other than if
someone was to take the test twice.(pg75) Biology can help develop someone's
intelligence by how they take in information.
2.
What is the self? According to Charles Horton Cooley, explain the looking glass
self (discuss the three phases). George Herbert Mead also discusses the stages of the self:
identify differences between I and Me. What is meant by significant others? How are
significant others related to the self? Identify Meads three-stage process of selfdevelopment. The self is a factor of things that make us different/unique from those
around us and that develop socially from our everyday interactions. Charles Horton
Cooley Explains the looking glass of self is we will become how we think the people
around us perceive us.Their are three stages to this theory the first is figuring out how
we think the people around us see us, the second is how we think they react to how
the see us, example being if they think we are attractive, smart, or kind. The third stage
is us becoming or defining ourselves based on just how we think others perceive us.
George Herbert Mead expanded on Cooleys theory and defined two stages of self
which are I and ME. I can be defined as in your natural self. When you are
walking, singing, dancing, that is I. ME is the self-judgement after performing such
acts, he Me is developed from past social experiences from those with significant
others. Significant others are people who we are close to and play a essential role in
our life such as a mom, dad, sister, best friend, or teacher. They help us understand
ourselves and play a huge role in developing our views and perspectives and overall
help us shape and form who we really are through self development. Self development
is meant through three stages the preparatory stage, the play stage, and the game
stage. The Preparatory stage is the stage from ages 0 to 3 , when the child is just
merely imitating what they see from the people around them. In this stage children

attach meanings to symbols. For example, a mom shaking their head, the child can
connect that gesture with the meaning No. The play stage is when children are aged
3 to 5. This stage consist of children playing doctors or house. during this phase the
child is able to see different perspectives through role talking and playing. The last
stage is The game stage. Children ages 6 through 9 will start developing
responsibilities. At this age children learn that society views certain things as good
and bad and also that everyone plays a different part in certain activities.
3.
Explain the dramaturgical approach. What occurs on front-stage? What happens
in backstage? How can Erving Goffmans idea of impression management and face-work be
used to understand social behavior? Dramaturgical approach is the perspective that
social interactions are plays or performances and the people are actors. The front
stage is where the performance happens, This is where the social interactions and
props are used. Backstage is where the preparation for the performance
happens.This is suggesting that some of the social interaction is an act and is
rehearsed. Goffman's idea of Impressions mangement ( changing one's self for a
certain audience) and face-work (to uphold to social standards to avoid
embarrassment) can uphold this theory.Many people lie in social interactions to avoid
shame or embarrassment for either themselves or loved ones. Example: when being
proposed too in a big crowd there is a lot of pressure too say yes, some people say
yes just so their loved one will not receive embarrassment.
4.
Identify the agents of socialization. What is the role of schools in gender role
socialization? How has technology (computer, cell phone, email, & TV) influenced the
socialization process? The Agents of Socialization are Family, Friends, School,Peers,
Media, workplace,Religion and the State. Gender role socialization are taught to us a
little of everywhere growing up including school, just being on the playground boys
are taught to never hit girls being because they are more delicate than
them.Technology has completely changed the socialization process, now instead of
face to face interaction you must study interactions between people through screens.
You may not know the true emotions or reactions that someone has given. But at the
same time technology now allows us to interact with people from all over the world.
5.
What are total institutions? Identify Goffmans four traits of total institutions.
Discuss how a degradation ceremony is used to mortify ones sense of self. Total
institutions are when an individual's life is controlled by a superior. Goffman's four
traits of a Total Institution are that the individual is living in the same place, the only
interactions are those in the same/ like circumstances, the activities are controlled by
a superior, and the institution's purpose is displayed in the activities and choice made.
Degradation ceremonies are often found in Total Institutions. These are embarrassing
rituals or processes that are meant to bring the individual down a notch. This can

involve someone in jail having to shower with guards and/or prisoners around and
they might feel that they can see their every move. This can make a person very
uncomfortable and make them feel as if they do not matter
6.
How does society deal with an elderly population? Discuss differences between
disengagement theory and activity theory? Finally, provide solutions to ageism. Society is
either very welcoming and respectful to the elderly community or disrespectful and
have a why are you here attitude. Disengagement theory suggest that while getting
older people stop playing the significant social roles such as wife/husband, worker,
etc. The Activity theory suggest the exact opposite, that instead of stop playing those
roles they improve in those roles and have a new found view on the value of life. In
order to stop ageism we must find compassion towards the group. We have to be
understanding to the natural process of getting older because it will happen to all of
us.