Today in class a video was shared from an episode of the
Simpsons. In the scene they discussed Kubler-Ross’s 5 stages of death. We also
all shared something from our “hands on” project. It was made clear that all of the theories
cover general patterns and can vary from person to person and even from culture
to culture.
We covered the last part of Chapter 5. Agents of
Socialization. The major influences in our socialization are family, school,
peer groups and the mass media. They are all very powerful and family is the
post influential. We did watch videos on Harlow’s monkeys and it was clear that
love and intimacy are just as important for social development as food and
water are for physical development. Lack of love can also impair physical
development even if an infant is given plenty of food. All of these basic needs
begin with family. The next influence is the school environment. The school reinforces
what is being taught by the family. It reinforces gender roles and introduces
them to peer groups. Birds of a feather flock together. We are all
judged by the company we keep. Generally, a person wants to be accepted into a
group and they will imitate the behaviors of other members in order to be
accepted. Many times, the desire to be accepted into a group is stronger than
the desire to follow rules. If the group follows the rules, then so will the
new member but if the group tends to disregard rules the new member will follow
that trend. Mass media is the final factor and it affects all of us. I personally
do not watch the news. I tried to last night and found myself furious within 30
minutes.
The above video is a great explanation of how peer pressure
works. It describes a scenario that is not so destructive to show how easily we
fall to peer pressure. I like that there is data to demonstrate that certain cultures
and even our gender may have a correlation as to how likely we are to be
influenced by peer pressure.
We covered resocialization with respect to total institutions.
Resocialization is to radically
alter personality through deliberate control of the environment. Total institutions are settings in
which people are isolated from the rest of society and manipulated by an
administrative staff. Many societies including our own, tends to focus on the
failures of the individual rather than the successes. Society also has a tendency
towards negative reinforcement in order to re-socialize. In order for you to
re-socialize yourself, you must have a good understanding of what is going on
in your life.
Positive I can do – Work had to achieve my goal of becoming
a biologist.
Negative I can do – Stop doing homework.
Positive society can do – Work together to save the environment.
Negative society can do – Continue being selfish. Each
individual only look for what they can gain.
