Socialization It s more than hangin with friends

Socialization It’s more than hangin’ with friends. . It’s more than a party… It’s academic!

Importance of Socialization? n n Socialization defined Harry Harlow’s Study of Primates (applicable to humans? ) Case studies of Anna and Isabelle What do they tell us?

Impact of Socialization on “Self” n n Functionalist Perspective Conflict Perspective Symbolic Interactionism Perspective Which Theoretical Perspective?

Charles Horton Cooley’s work n n n Self-Concept Looking-Glass Self - How does it work? Distortions?

George Herbert Mead’s work. . n n Significant Others Role Taking Imitation Stage n Play Stage n Game Stage Acting out of Principle? n Generalized Other n “Me” and “I” n

Who or What are “Agents of Socialization”? n n Hidden Curriculum at Schools Peer Group - (relationships? ) Mass Media - (TV, Movies, Games, etc. ) Others?

Assessing “Agents of Socialization”… Cultural Norms (pros and cons) of each 1. Hidden Curriculum (PNH) 2. “Homecoming” Week / Court 3. Peer Group 4. Mass Media (TV, Gaming, Internet, etc) 5. Suburban Hang-Out (pick one) 6. Urban Hang-Out (pick one)

Gaming industry under fire? (from the “Daily Show”. . ) Video games. When played in moderation, they can be a relaxing and entertaining way to waste your life. But recently, sex and violence in video games has rankled some politicians who are shocked. . . "shocked". . . that they might not get re-elected. n So last week, the House Subcommittee on Consumer Protection held a hearing on objectionable content in video games. Rep. Jan Schakowsky explained the hearing's simple goal as, "I look forward to hearing from our witnesses, to learn how these games are rated, how they are marketed and to whom, and who is making profit from them. " She added, "And to learn how to beat the final boss in Metal Gear Solid 3. I mean, I have the machine gun, the Ak-47 and three survival kits but I can't dodge that special attack. . . I mean, uh. . . that special attack that is entirely inappropriate for children. " n The committee's main concern was how to keep adult video games out of the hands of children, and time and again, the talk returned to Grand Theft Auto, video game critics' favorite whipping boy. Rep. Joseph Pitts used this game to illustrate the issue's importance, saying, "Grand Theft Auto is the best-selling video game. There is almost a certainly a child is going to be hurt by this game. Maybe his dad is in jail or his brother is on the corner dealing drugs. " He continued, "Maybe Medicare doesn't cover his mom's prescriptions, and gangs control the local public schools, and there are no jobs in his town. And we're going to let this game ruin his life? "" n But a spokesman for video games- and yes, someone is paid to do that- rushed to their defense, stating, "Defining the industry based on its most controversial titles would be like defining the film industry based on Kill Bill, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Natural Born Killers, or the music industry based on Eminem, 50 Cent and the Dixie Chicks, " to which Congress promptly responded by banning films and music.

How ‘bout that other newfangled “agent of socialization” – Facebook? n n Daily Show spoof…video College Instructors on Facebook? NYTimes stories on Facebook Socialization on Facebook according to Harvard?

Do we have reasons to be concerned about the “socialization” taking place on Facebook, AIM, Texting, etc? n n Short paragraph Political Cartoon

Processes for “Socialization” and “Re-Socialization” n n n Total Institution Desocialization Re-socialization Anticipatory Socialization (Middle to High School, High School to College. . ) Reference Group