CHAPTER 3:

SOCIALIZATION

Becoming human:
Socialization
Process that teaches individuals to
become functioning human beings who
must fit into a number of groups and be
productive members of a society

Theoretical Perspectives on
Socialization
A. Nature versus Nurture
B. The Development of Self: The
Interactionist Perspective

Nature v. Nurture
Nature (Sociobiology)
II. Nurture (Environment)
III. Mix
I.

Interactionist
Perspective

3.

Colley: The Looking Glass Self

We imagine how our personality and
appearance will look to other people.
We imagine how other people judge the
appearance and personality that we think we
present.
We develop a self-concept.

Mead: Role-Taking

1.
2.

Agents of Socialization

Family
School
Peer Group
Mass Media
Workplace

Socialization in
Adulthood

Anticipatory Socialization
Assume a role in the future

Developmental Socialization
Learn to be more competent in playing their

currently assumed role

Resocialization
Forced to abandon their old self and

develop a new self in its place

Socialization Through the Life Course

Childhood
Adolescence
Adulthood
Old Age