Class: Socialization and Self, Part 1

Class Notes

Charles Cooley (1902) argued that people look at themselves like the do other objects in what is known as the "Looking Glass Self." To determine the meaning of this object, our "self", first, we imagine how we appear to others. Then, we interpret their responses to us. Finally, we form a self-concept, based on pride or shame, from their response. Significant others (parents, friends, partners, teachers) are particularly important in this process.

Socialization is the process by which individuals learn to recreate skills, knowledge, values, motives, and roles appropriate to their position or group in society (Newman 127). There are four parts to socialization: the agent, the process, the target, and the outcome. Various processes of socialization include observational learning, instrumental conditioning, and internalization. The outcomes of socialization include gender roles, racial stereotypes, moral development, writing or thinking skills, and so on. 

You might think about what girls learn about being girls from Bratz dolls and what boys about being boys learn from Bionicles. Children are also socialized to understand their own and others' racial classifcaitions. What do children learn from playing with these racial and ethic Playmobil toys (African American, Mediterranean/Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian)?

Required Reading: 

"What's in a Name? That Which We Call a Rose by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet," Ruane and Cerulo (Second Thoughts, pp. 95-107)

"Becoming a Certain Body," Hesse- Biber (Sociology Reader, pp. 111-119)

"Boyhood, Organized Sports, and the Constructions of Masculinities," Messner (Sociology Reader, pp. 87-98)

Recommended Reading: 

"Building Identity: Socialization," Newman (Sociology, pp. 125-155)

Keywords: Looking Glass Self, reflected appraisals, significant others, socialization, agent, process, target, outcome, observational learning, instrumental conditioning, internalization, gender roles, racial stereotypes.