Chapter 5 Projects

Project Assignment

Purpose

Socialization is important to both individuals and societies. If individuals are not socialized, they will not be able to understand the norms, language, and behaviors expected in certain social situations. A critical part of what holds society together is that individuals are socialized into their given society and, therefore, know how to act (or behave). This kind of social control allows a society to exist; without it, a society would disintegrate or drastically change. The purpose of this project is to help you understand how the norms and customs of American culture are important in our everyday interactions by actively questioning others about them in a social situation.

Directions

Part 1

For this project, you will be interacting with people you may or may not know. After the project is complete, you may let them know it was for a sociology assignment, but at the outset of the project, no one should know your intentions. Choose a social situation that you regularly find yourself in. This could be waiting in line at the coffee shop, going grocery shopping, or studying at the library. Any scenario is acceptable as long as it involves interacting with other people, does not put you or others in danger, and is legal/ethical.

Although socialization has taught you how to act properly according to certain customs, choose one of those customs and deliberately violate it. Try to observe the reactions of those around you. It may help to have a partner observe the other people and take notes while you interact with them.

For example, if you talk with your mouth full or play music loudly in the library, how do those around you react? Do others try to correct your behavior by telling you to swallow before you speak or to be quiet?

Do not attempt anything illegal or dangerous that could cause harm to yourself or others.

Part 2

Write one to two pages reflecting on your experience. Use the following questions as a guide.

• What did you do that violated a social norm?

• How did others around you react?

• What did it feel like to violate the norm?

• Did people try to correct your behavior and say or do anything that would indicate they want you to follow the norms?

• Were there any other norms or values operating in the situation that affected the response (or lack thereof)?

• Think back to when you first learned this specific norm or custom. Who did you initially learn it from? (Family, friends, school, etc.)

Materials

Note-taking materials

Checklist

Writing Assignment

Purpose

As you grew up, you were taught certain customs and norms through the process of socialization. In this chapter, you learned more about that process and how it affects the way we think and behave. The purpose of this writing assignment is to apply the knowledge you have learned about the concept and process of socialization and how it affects your own life. You will also consider the idea of anticipatory socialization: the ability of individuals to take their own socialization upon themselves.

Directions

You will write a three- to four-page essay, using APA style, to answer the following prompts:

• How do sociologists define socialization?

• In your own words, explain what socialization means.

• Why is socialization important for society?

• In what ways could someone participate in anticipatory socialization?

• In what ways do we often not notice that socialization is taking place? Can you think of any examples from your own life when you were being socialized but did not realize it at the time?

• Select two different agents of socialization. In what ways did they help socialize you as a child, as a teenager, or now?

As you write, think about the importance of socialization in helping individuals become members of society and how this also pertains to you. We often take for granted that aspects of human interaction and behaviors are not natural but learned through interactions with others, starting at a young age. What you write should show that you understand the concept of socialization and the two different agents of socialization that you select.

Materials

None required

Checklist