What is the purpose of socialization?
According to William Little, “socialization is how we learn the norms and beliefs of our society” (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5). In addition to this, socialization can only be taught as it is a process of constantly learning, and re-enforcing that knowledge (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1). Socialization teaches the individual what the expectations are within their society, what the prevailing beliefs are, and gives them an acute awareness of the values of the society they live in (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1).
The purpose of socialization is to teach the individual to become an effective member of society (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1). Furthermore, socialization teaches us basic functions in relation to the material culture of our society (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1). The material culture of our society is linked to the understanding of how to use objects such as spoons, knives, forks, chairs, and other objects (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1).
Without socialization, basic functions like sitting, eating, and playing would not be present in an individual, because these functions are learned through the process (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1). Socialization fits in with the natural and social worlds within a society (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1). It teaches us how to interact with one another, how to speak, when to speak, and in what tone to speak (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1).
In addition to this, socialization teaches us about nature, the world and our role in it as humans, it gives as a by-line comparison between us and the animals (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1). According to sociologists, socialization is better known as the, ‘internalization of social norms (Kierns & Little, 2014, ch. 5, pg. 1).
What are the four key functions that are involved in this process of socialization?
According to Lundberg, the functions of socialization are, skills, beliefs, standard judgements, and habits (Lundberg, 1968). According to Benokraitis the four functions of socialization are, 1. Establishment of social identity, 2. Teaches role taking, 3. Controls behavior, 4. Transmits culture to the next generation (Benokraitis, 2010, pg. 61).
Establishment of social identity.
Social identity is the means by which we judge who we are in terms of our society (Giddens, 1996, pg. 20). Therefore, social identity teaches us about ourselves, and this affects our thoughts, and in turn, our behavior (Giddens, 1996, pg. 20).
Teaches role taking.
Role taking is the ability to understand other people’s feelings, and it enables us to see from someone else’s perspective. In a sense role, taking is the ability to empathize, and step outside of our judgement and attempt to understand, whilst also being understood. (Benokraitis, 2010, pg. 61).
Control behavior.
This function is the standard by which we understand what is expected of us within society (Benokraitis, 2010, pg. 61). It teaches us right, and wrong, by where we learn society’s boundaries and what is determined as deviant behavior, so we can conform to society’s expectations (Benokraitis, 2010, pg. 61).
Transmits culture to the next generation
Effective socialization enables individuals to pass on this knowledge to the next generations, therefore re-in forcing societal norms (Benokraitis, 2010, pg. 62).
References
Benokraitis, N. (2010). SOC. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Giddens, A. (1996). Introduction to sociology. New York: W.W. Norton.
Kierns, N., & Little, W. (2014). Introduction to sociology. Victoria: BC campus, BC Open Textbook Project.
Lundberg, G. (1968). Sociology. New York: Harper & Row.
