Ch. 4 Sociology Concepts

The role of peer groups in socialization

• Peer groups provide an opportunity for individuals to develop social skills and form relationships outside of the family.

• Peer groups are primarily responsible for teaching academic skills.

• Peer groups discourage social interaction and promote isolation.

• Peer groups have no significant impact on an individual's development.

A group made up of people we look to for establishing values and attitudes

• Reference group

• Peer group

• Social network

• Cultural group

Example of a total institution

• Military boot camp

• University campus

• Corporate office

• Public library

The concept of desocialization

• The process of adopting new social norms and values

• The process of giving up old norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors

• The process of integrating into a new culture

• The process of reinforcing existing social behaviors

During the middle years, a person's emphasis often shifts from

• How far he or she has come to how much time may be left.

• What others think of them to their own self-acceptance.

• Achieving goals to enjoying the journey.

• Building relationships to focusing on career advancement.

Example of a hidden curriculum at schools

• Children learning to behave

• Students mastering advanced mathematics

• Teachers grading based on attendance

• Parents volunteering for school events

The influence of dress codes in socialization

• Dress codes can enforce conformity and group identity

• Dress codes have no impact on social behavior

• Dress codes are only important in professional settings

• Dress codes promote individual expression

The role of visitors in adolescent development

• Visitors can provide social interaction and support

• Visitors can hinder personal growth

• Visitors have no impact on development

• Visitors are only a source of distraction

One way that religion serves as an agent for socialization

• It teaches children morals and beliefs

• It encourages children to question authority

• It promotes individualism over community

• It focuses solely on rituals and traditions

The first agent of socialization for most people is family.

• School

• Peer Groups

• Family

• Media