Sociology

Sociology Study Guide

o Individual interprets the reaction of others to his/her behavior. o Individual utilizes that interpretation to develop self-image or self- concept. • Role Taking: George Herbert Mead, a philosopher and social psychologist who elaborated on the Looking Glass Self theory, argued that children do not, at first, understand that they are separate from others. When they develop language and symbols, they are able to make that cognitive leap and begin to develop self-concepts. Symbolic interaction is the term introduced by Mead that explained how symbols, like signs, gestures, and language, make it possible for people to interact. Language was of particular importance to him. He also argued that it is very important to socialization for individuals to understand what others expect of them.

• Mimicking people in their environment.

Imitation

• Taking on the role o fothers, which allows children to understand the expectations of others.

Play

• Looking at various roles in their environment, which allows children to understand the expectations of society in general.

Games

Figure 4: Three Stages of Socialization in Children

• Emotional Development: Sigmund Freud explained personal development in terms relating to the constant states of conflict between individuals and society. Behavior, in Freud’s terms, occurred as the product of nature and nurture. He thought humans were born with certain drives or needs, and emphasized the importance of emotions. In Freud’s mind, human personality was comprised of threeparts: o Id : Biological and psychological drives (also unconscious memories). o Ego: Mediator between id and superego (this ends up being the personality that is ultimately developed). o Superego: Censor, conscience, and monitor of personality (opposes the id). Freud explained that certain outcomes could be hypothesized based on the degree of restrictiveness experienced during childhood. For example, if a child experiences anextremely restrictive environment, their superego will play a more dominant role in personality development. If a child is raised in a freer environment, their id will play a greater role in personality development. • Identity Crisis: Erik Erikson was heavily influenced by Freud. He developed eight stages of self- development; each stage is defined by an identity crisis. In this way, Erikson identified with Freud’s thought that conflict was central to personal development.

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