Introduction
The world community grows and develops daily and it is almost no longer possible for an individual to exist away from the community. That is why socialization, as a natural process in each person’s life, is one of the most important milestones of development. This activity begins in early childhood and continues throughout life, usually starting to slow down gradually. The process of socialization is indispensable for integrating into society, realizing and understanding self-identity, and finding one’s place and role in modernity.
How an Individual Becomes a Social Person
There are many theories of how a person socializes and what contributes to or slows down the process. Most of them have considerable merit, but it is impossible to determine the fidelity of any one of them. Certain versions bypass a lot, and only a complete examination of the underpinnings of each theory can help make meaning of why the narrow focus of most of them is hard to sense (Alwaely, 2021). The socialization process is complex and multifaceted enough to defy simplistic and inadequate generalizations.
For example, the theory of G. H. Mead is based on children’s development on the imitation of other society members’ actions, primarily designating the development of their self-consciousness as a product of the influence of external opinion. However, there are a lot of circumstances in which such a description of personality development loses its meaning. Suffice it to recall the curiosity peculiar to every child – the investigations they make in their environment are their actions, not imitations. In addition, even an adverse reaction from adults to some of the child’s actions, like breaking dishes, food, or damaging toys does not stop their desire to explore the world around them.
Although these statements are partially true, they are far from describing a picture of socialization – not all children depend on the opinions of those around them to form their self-concept on their basis, and less importance is given to other people’s opinions as they grow up. The possibility of recognizing this theory as a factor in socialization is present, but no more than that, especially when the cultural differences of today’s multicultural society should be considered.
The next popular theory is Sigmund Freud’s theory of socialization and self-awareness. However, this scientist is noted for his exceptional assertiveness in the formulation without any research or evidence, mainly because he ignored all facts that did not coincide with his opinion (Beahrs, 2018). None of his theses have been practically confirmed in his lifetime or after his death, and the popularity of his theories signals his media sophistication and good publicist abilities. Based on the observations, it is impossible to confirm his beliefs that all human socialization and further development depend on one’s physiological sex (Beahrs, 2018). Perhaps a minimal percentage of humanity partly falls under such an assessment, but this theory is far from universal or unambiguous.
Of the three theories identified as the main ones in the assignment, Piaget’s theory can be singled out as the most consistent with reality. However, it is likewise impossible to agree with her completely – there are disputable statements. Undoubtedly, she is right that children begin their development and socialization with touch and perception. One cannot disagree that a certain understanding of the nature of things and people around them is formed in a child based on their explorations (Alwaely, 2021). The basic foundations of logical thinking and interaction again emerge in the child at an early age. Developmental stages are correspondingly described, but perhaps more attention should have been paid to the influence of the child’s social environment on his or her self-centeredness. The theory states that all children are self-centered at some point in time, which is not entirely accurate. Separately, the idea that not all adults reach a formal operational level is correct, but this is likewise most often the result of problems with socialization.
Social Causes of Alcohol Consumption
The exact reasons that prompted human ancestors to invent alcohol in ancient times are unknown. In every culture, often independently of the others, the need to create alcohol and the rules of its consumption were formed, and initially, they might have had no social justification. The use of alcoholic beverages is more strongly linked to socialization precisely in our time. Their harm is evident to almost everyone, but the very fact of their use is tightly linked to social status or the situation. Furthermore, sometimes teenagers under the group’s influence try and continue to drink alcohol to feel part of their peers. As for the influence of other social formations, it is defined almost the same:
- Practically, all families discourage the acceptance of alcohol, or there are restrictive norms;
- In educational institutions and workplaces, alcohol is strictly condemned and wholly prohibited, regardless of the specific location;
- Advertisements for alcohol and other similar products are strictly limited and take place at night or are absent from the media. If they are present, the emphasis is on the brand or type of alcohol because advertising consuming it is not accepted and is forbidden.
By the totality of the findings, we can conclude that the greatest danger to a person in terms of attachment to alcohol is his interest groups or friends.
Conclusion
Based on logical analysis, it can be argued that the process of human development and socialization has no precise definition. While there are many relevant theories, every day, we can meet an active person in society who disproves any or all of these theories. On this basis, everyone’s process of socialization or social development looks like an individual, which encourages us to investigate further and look for similar patterns.
Reference
Alwaely, S. A., Yousif, N. B. A., & Mikhaylov, A. (2021). Emotional development in preschoolers and socialization. Early child development and care, 191(16), 2484-2493.
Beahrs, J. O. (2018). Scientific Fraud or Cultural Icon?. Academic Questions, 31(2), 231-235. Web.