First group to have impact Lays down basic sense of selfEstablishes initial values and beliefs

Sociologists observe family interactions in public◦found that family sends subtle gender messages

Family and Social Classes◦Upper, Middle, and Lower

Concerned with conformityDesire… ◦obedience ◦neatness◦staying out of trouble

Reinforcement through physical punishment

Focus more on developing children’s curiosity

Desire…◦curious◦expressive◦self-control

More concerned with motivations for behavior so less likely to use physical punishment

Working ClassMiddle Class

Some neighborhoods are better to raise children in then others

What makes a good neighborhood?According to sociological research, kids from poor neighborhoods are more likely to…◦Get into trouble with the law◦Get pregnant◦Drop out of school◦Use drugs

Research shows, kids in more affluent neighborhoods are more likely to have neighbors who watch out for them

Chances of being a victim in Chicago = 1 in 7

"The bigger the neighborhood, the more crime you'd expect”

Andrew Schiller, Phd. For NeighborhoodScout

Mohansic

Religion influences Morality70% of Americans belong to a religious group

Influences ◦Dress◦Speech◦Manners

Purpose of formal education—transmission of knowledge and skills◦Academic: reading, writing, math◦Social: prepare for role in the world beyond the family, universality, political socialization, etc. Hidden Curriculum

Sports teach physical skills and values◦Teamwork◦Discipline◦Dedication

As more women enter the workforce, day care becomes a significant agent

Effects of Daycare◦(-) weaken bonds between parent and child

◦Behavioral problems??

Anticipatory Socialization◦prepare/learn to play a role before entering it

◦read books about a career, internships, etc.

Work becomes part of self-concept◦Ask “What are you?” when meeting new people

Peers—individuals of about the same age linked by common interests

As children enter school, peers challenge family as the most influential agent

Conformity or Rejection!!The peer group you are in determines: ◦dress, music you listen to, morality, etc.

Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are!!

Learning new values, norms, attitudes and behaviors to match a new situation

Examples: ◦entering a convent◦Just divorced ?—learning to act single

◦entering AA◦joining a cult

Total Institutions◦People cut off from the rest of society

◦Come under total control of the officials who run the place

◦Ex: boot camp, prisons, concentration camps, boarding schools, etc.

Degradation Ceremony◦total institutions begin with this◦attempt to remake the self by stripping away the individual’s current identity

People progress and change throughout life

The time you grow up in affects you◦Middle Ages v. Today

Stages◦Childhood (birth to age 12)◦Adolescence (13-17)◦Young Adult (18-29)◦Middle Ages (30-65)◦Older Years (65+)