Key Terms
Socialization
Learning societal norms, beliefs, values, expectations; becoming a functional member of society. Self: distinct sense of
Psychologists look inward
Mental processes, emotional development, how the mind works. Sociologists look outward: social institutions, cultural no
Example
A psychologist studying a first date focuses on mental processing of attraction. A sociologist focuses on cultural norms
Generalized other
The common behavioral expectations of society as a whole. Once you understand the generalized other, you have a self; yo
Moral development
How people learn what society considers right and wrong.
Nature
Genetic and biological makeup shapes who we are. Nurture: social environment and relationships shape who we are.
Peer group
People similar in age, social status, and shared interests.
Manifest function of school
Academic content; reading, writing, math, science.
Hidden curriculum
Informal socialization that schools provide beyond academic content. Anticipatory socialization: preparation for future
Mass media
Television, radio, newspapers, internet; distribute information and cultural messages to wide audiences.
Anticipatory socialization
Preparing for a future role before you're in it. Examples: reading parenting books before a child arrives, studying work
Resocialization
The process of unlearning old behaviors and learning new ones for a new social environment.
Total institution
An environment where people are isolated from broader society and subjected to a controlled set of rules. Examples: pris