Understanding Socialization and Its Impact
Defining Socialization and Its Role in Human Development
Socialization represents a process that occurs during an individual’s lifetime, during which they are exposed to a particular culture and learn how to adjust to it seamlessly. It is especially relevant in the context of growing up as children are taught the ‘correct way’ of acting by their parents, teachers, or peers (Ferris & Stein, 2022). The application of the nature and nurture perspectives to socialization is important as it explains that some behaviors are attained genetically while others emerge as a result of socio-environmental influences.
The Influence of Family as an Agent of Socialization on Behavior and Beliefs
While there are several agents of socialization, family is the one that has significantly influenced my personal behaviors and beliefs. The family is the original group to which a person belongs, developing emotional and social bonds, learning a language, and internalizing the norms and values that it teaches. For example, since I was small, I remember my father teaching me the importance of working hard, which is a value that transferred to my learning. My mother taught me to be kind and never judge people because you never know what others are going through. These values were important for me to develop as an individual.
The Nature vs. Nurture Debate: Exploring Human Development
Understanding the Nature vs. Nurture Controversy
The nature versus nurture debate focuses on determining the impact of genetic and environmental factors on human development. Those who take the side of nature, predominantly sociobiologists, argue that genetics should be the primary explanation of human behavior. In contrast, the nurture side, which tends to be favored by sociologists, entails that human behavior is the outcome of external influences and social interactions.
The Importance of Examining Both Perspectives
It is important to understand that neither of the sides is right or wrong; instead, both sides of the debate allow for explaining why humans act in certain ways or develop particular tendencies. While people are subjected to their social influences from the moment they are born, with the exposure to the world increasing over time, there are inherent contributors, some of which may go unnoticed for some time, that cannot be erased due to the impact of environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to look at both sides of the debate because they have equal value.
The Genie Case: A Representation of the Nature vs. Nurture Debate
The analysis of the Genie case illustrates that nurture may have a prevailing impact on human development. Genie did not have any social interactions during crucial stages of development, which made her ‘feral’ and later unable to catch up with the rest of the people of her age or live an independent life.
Theoretical Perspectives on Socialization
Charles Horton Cooley’s theory of the “looking-glass self” suggests that social interactions play a far more important role than people realize initially. The theorist stated that self-concept is developed through a person’s observation of the way in which others perceive them (Ferris & Stein, 2022). For instance, when others perceive a person as a funny, likable, and extroverted individual, they are more likely to see themselves as such.
The social aspect of the theory is significant as it shows that people reflect upon their interactions with others and try imagining what their friends, colleagues, or family members think of them. Without society, no sense of self could be developed if to consider Cooley’s theory. It is notable that some people may be influenced more and others less; however, everyone learns about themselves through building social connections and reflecting on them. The theory illustrates that human development is largely predicated on relationships between people and social frameworks.
Reference
Ferris, K., & Stein, J. (2022). The real world: Introduction to sociology (8th ed.) W.W. Norton & Company.