Caroline Boucher 3/21/13 Principles of Sociology Socialization Unlike some species of animals, we cannot raise ourselves.

We need a caregiver to nurture us and take care of not only our physical needs, but teach us language, manners, beliefs and other skills and habits that are necessary for successfully participating in society. This general process of acquiring culture is referred to as socialization. It is a lifelong process of inheriting and disseminating different norms, behaviors and roles that will accompany us into our adult lives. This progression occurs through immediate and extended family, religion, schooling and mass media. It is one of the most important and influential developments that a person can experience. Socialization begins immediately after birth when the primary caregivers, usually a female, use different techniques to socialize the child. Overall, the socialization practices are generally the same among people of the same society. Its not surprising that people of th e same culture and community are likely to share the same the standards. Also, societies generally socialize the same way in which their parents did to them; they do so in two ways. First, formal education is what happens in a strict, controlled and orderly classroom by adult teachers. It is here where children first interact with others outside the family and learn different ways to act based on various peer groups. Second, informal education involves the predispositions that occur as a child plays and imitates what they see others do either through mass media and even learning basic skills, such as talking. On a side note, it is important to remember that boys and girls tend to be socialized differently and learn at diverse speeds.

Successful socialization can effectively result in some degree of uniformity within a society. Deciding what things are taught and how they are taught is a powerful political tool for controlling peoplebut thats a different topic! Those who adopt the norms are less likely to break the law or want to radically change social vicissitudes. However, in all societies there are those individuals who do not conform to the defined standards and thus are labeled as abnormal, deviant, or even mentally ill. Negative socialization occurs when others use harsh punishments and anger to teach a lesson. The child then becomes confused on what is proper negative and positive socialization. Thus, making them unhappy and with a pessimistic view on life. Some people argue that negative socialization is a good and healthy thing since it can prepare for the harsher realities in life. This is true, but people need more positive interactions in order to successfully develop. In conclusion, it is safe to say that socialization not only is the process of personality formation that can eventually frame us in a particular route, but provides and emboldens individual beliefs and attitudes. This accounts for both the drastic differences and common personalities between everyone in our society. In large-scale societies, such as the United States, the various techniques, aspirations, and expectations can be a powerful tool for promoting the enormous human potential. Finally, our current knowledge on socialization is extremely useful. It help explains what we think and feel, where we plan to go in life, and understand which tools are most effective. The more we know about the socialization process is what will guide our society and future learning into ways that will help us most and lean towards the goals we value most. Keep in mind though that its a difficult journey to traverse; for some people it comes natural, whereas others need to work harder for it!