"[Karl Mannheim’s] eloquent argument, that generations can be identified in terms of events experienced during the years of adolescence and early adulthood—ages 17 to 25…and the suggestion that such generational or cohort effects are comparable in importance to effects based on social class"
—Schuman and Rieger
Socialization over the course of our lives is so important in shaping who we become in the future. I know for myself that my own family, and my own experiences, have profoundly shaped who I am today. The debate over nature vs. nurture is an extremely difficult one; yes, we are born with innate characteristics that essentially form "us"-but, like a piece of clay, we are formed over time. Elements like family, peers, religion, and even the media pass on "social expectations" that mold us.
Because of the strong influence of such socialization agents like family, peers, and the media, I wanted to share some interesting information/evidence. First, you will find an article about the significant role siblings play on our social and emotional development as adults; I believe this to be very true, as I often learned how to act from my two older sisters. Next, I included an interesting video on the effects of cartoons on children (this one focuses specifically on Disney cartoons), which plays into the fact that the media has a very strong impact on our lives! Finally, I will post some websites that go into more depth on the subject of socialization. Enjoy!
(This video explains how stereotypical gender roles have been depicted in Disney movies, and how they have been reinforced in society-I know that when I was a child, I was strongly influenced by Disney movies)
Links:
This first link is a website dedicated to explaining how to socialize your child. There are tips and several articles geared towards helping parents raise a "well rounded" child.
This last link focuses on the discussion of homeschooling and sending your child to a public school. Basically, how socialization takes place in the traditional school setting and the homeschool setting.
Socialization and the Life Course
Across
2. Those of similar status
4. Belief that humans have evolved not via a Darwinian natural selection, but via that action of a god
5. Part of self representing reason and common sense
6. Institutionalized practice of age prejudice and discrimination
7. How one defines oneself
9. Behaviors others expect from a person associated with a particular status
Down
1. Process by which existing social roles are radically altered
2. Cluster of needs, drives, and attitudes that characterize a given person
3. Dimension of the self representing the cultural standards of society
8. Our concept of who we are, as formed in relationship to others
Choices for crossword puzzle: Ego, Identity, Creationism, Ageism, Personality, Peers, Resocialization, Self, Role, Superego
