Socialization Nature vs Nurture

1. Twin studies show that environmental influences can affect peoples lives just as much as

genetics. Outcomes vary by the individual, their environmental influences, and their socio-

economic status. Personality traits can be genetic as far as tempers, conscientiousness, and

succumbing to habits. In the article Twins Separated at Birth Reveal Staggering Influence of

Genetics by writer Tanya Lewis, twins Jim Lewis and Jim Springer were separated when

they were just four weeks old and reunited at the age of 39. The twins who were separated

their entire lives had very similar personality traits and habits, they both suffered from

tension headaches, were prone to nail biting, smoked Salem cigarettes, drove the same type

of car and even vacationed at the same beach in Florida. Aside from their obvious similarity

in looks, the two men were similar in their lifestyles.

2. Self is our identity based of off social interaction. The looking glass self is how we view

ourselves based off the way we think other people see us. Using a child as an example:

Preparatory stage is when the child mindlessly mimics their guardians. Play stage is when a

child takes on the role of someone they look up to like pretending to cook or having a toy

tool set. Game stage is when a child can take on multiple roles and know which role to apply

to specific situations such as having etiquette in a public place. Generalized other is when the

child becomes aware of how others view them. Significant others are the people who make

an impact on an individuals life. Significant others can influence an individuals choices

shifting the self perspective.

3. The dramaturgical approach compares people to theatre actors. It applies symbolic

interactionism, the symbols used to communicate or represent a message like a white flag

representing a forfeit during a play. Front stage is how an individual acts in public, back

stage is how a person acts behind the scenes or ones true self. The idea behind impression

management is how an individual carries themselves based off how they want someone else

to think of them. Face also explains how you want others to view you. Social behavior can

depend on what group of friends you are hanging out with, and how you want them to see

you.

4. One of the many agents of socialization is family, they are our immediate influencers. Peer

groups (our coworkers, friends, etc) also effect how we socialize with each other like using

teamwork to complete a project. Because children spend extended aounts of time at school,

schools influence gender roles. For example boys sit in blue chairs and girls sit in pink

chairs. One of the most drastic influences in social interaction is the use of social media.

Having the quick access to be able to contact someone significantly shifted expectations of

others. Sad to say that in many millennial cases, social media can make or break a

relationship/friendship. Some of the perks of having the world at your fingertips through the

use of technology is being able to keep in touch with friends and family on the other side of

the world.
5. Total institutions are like being quarantined into a small social bubble. For example, my high

school was only one hallway big, because it was a very small campus, everyone knew each

other.

The four traits of total institutions are:

1) All aspects of life are conducted in the same place and are under control of a single authority

2) Any activities within the institution are conducted in the company of others in the same

circumstances

3) The authorities devise rules and schedule activities without consulting the participants

4) All aspects of life within a total institution are designed to fulfill the purpose of the

organization

The degradation ceremony is mortifying because it includes humiliating rituals that break down

an individuals core. For example, when one joins the army they strip you of yourself and break

down everything you once were and build you back up as a soldier.

6. Society typically condemns the elderly population as to not being able to keep up with the

changes new generations bring to scoeity. Disengament theory suggests that detaching from

society and isolating oneself is a normal process that comes with aging leading to isolation.

Activity theory suggests that the key to being happy is to not isolate oneself and engage in

change with others who are going through similar life changes. Being able to relate to other
who are also growing old will make the individual feel more comfortable with oneself and

fulfilled. One of many solutions to ageism is to create a community where elederly

individuals can engage with one another, for example I know of a group of men who are in

their late 40s and early 50s who participate in playing basketball. This is great because not

only do they get to socially interact with friends, they stay active with healthy habits in order

to be able to play.