Download Chp.4 Socialization

CHP. 4 SOCIALIZATION
Why is Socialization
Important?
 The lifelong process of social interaction
through which individuals acquire selfidentity and the physical, mental, and social
skills needed for survival in society
 Essential for the individual’s survival and for
human development
 Also essential for the survival and stability of
society
Human Development: Biology
and Society
 Every human being is a product of biology,
society, and personal experiences – NATURE
and NURTURE
 How much of our development can be
explained by socialization?
 How much by our genetic heritage?
 Sociologists focus on how humans design
their own culture and transmit it from
generation to generation through
socialization
 Sociobiology – the systematic study of how
biology affects social behaviour
 Most sociologists disagree with the notion
that biological principles can be used to
explain all human behaviour
 Some aspects of our physical make-up such
as eye colour, hair colour, height and weight –
largely are determined by our heredity
Social Isolation &
Maltreatment
 We all need social contact (even monkeys and
chimps) to develop properly
 Some cases have arisen in which parents or
other caregivers failed to fulfil their
responsibilities, leaving children alone or
leaving them in isolated circumstances
 The cases have shown the importance of a
positive socialization process and the
negative effects of social isolation
 Examples of abuse – physical, sexual or
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exploitation, neglect, and emotional abuse
Neglect is the most frequent form of child
abuse – when a child’s basic needs are not
met - including:
emotional warmth and security
adequate shelter - education
food
- clothing
health care
- protection
 A child’s risk of being abused may be
increased by other social factors, such as,
racism, sexism, homophobia, poverty, and
social isolation
 i.e. historically, many children who were sent
to institutions were abused; the majority
were from marginalized groups: aboriginal,
racial & ethnic minorities, children with
physical or mental disabilities and children
living in poverty
 Perception of what constitutes abuse or
neglect have differed
 i.e. “Spare the rod, spoil the child”, today is
viewed by many as child abuse
 Still, many parents choose to use spanking as
a form of discipline
 (pg. 110 box 4.2 –spanking)