2.1: How Do We Learn Our Identity Notes:

SOCIETY AS A PRODUCT OF SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION:

Culture

• Shared way of life: norms, values, beliefs, traditions.

• Provides framework for identity and behavior.

• Different societies = different cultural expectations.

Norms

• The way society expects someone to act in a particular situation.

• Social rules of behavior (e.g. queuing, politeness).

• Guide everyday actions and interactions.

• Breaking norms → sanctions (disapproval, punishment).

Values

• Beliefs shared by members of a culture used to decide what behavior is right and wrong. Example: being honest and respectful towards others is important

• Form basis for norms.

• Influence moral choices and identity.

Customs

• Traditional practices passed through generations.

• Reinforce cultural identity (e.g. festivals, rituals).

• Provide continuity and belonging.

Roles

• Expected behavior linked to a status (e.g. student, parent).

• Help organize society and identity.

• Role conflict/strain occurs when expectations clash.

Status

• Ascribed status: fixed at birth (e.g. ethnicity, gender).

• Achieved status: earned through effort (e.g. career, education).

• Status shapes opportunities and identity.

Stereotypes

• Oversimplified ideas about groups (e.g. gender, ethnicity).

• Can lead to labelling and self‑fulfilling prophecy.

• Influence how individuals are treated and how they see themselves.

Influence on Behavior & Identity

• Culture, norms, values, customs: provide rules and meaning → guide behavior.

• Roles & status: define expectations → shape identity and interaction.

• Stereotypes: restrict opportunities, affect self‑concept, reinforce inequality.

THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF IDENTITY

Nature–Nurture Debate

• Nature: identity shaped by biology/genetics such as eye color or potential height.

• Nurture: identity shaped by socialization and environment such as language spoken or manners.

• Sociology emphasizes nurture.

Relativity of Culture

• Culture varies across societies and time.

• Norms/values are not universal → identity is relative.

Socialization

• Lifelong process of learning norms, values, roles.

• Builds social identity and belonging.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOCIALIZATION

Family

• First agent of socialization.

• Teaches language, norms, values, roles.

• Most influential in early years.

Education

• Formal curriculum + hidden curriculum.

• Teaches discipline, achievement, social roles.

• Shapes occupational identity.

Peer Group

• Strong influence in adolescence.

• Provides belonging, shapes fashion, speech, behavior.

• Peer pressure reinforces conformity.

Media

• Represents stereotypes, role models, consumer identity.

• Shapes attitudes and lifestyles.

Religion

• Provides moral codes, collective identity, traditions.

• Influences values and behavior.

Workplace

• Teaches professional norms, responsibility, teamwork.

• Shapes occupational identity and adult roles.

Effectiveness: varies by stage of life and context. Family strongest early, peers/media stronger in adolescence, workplace in adulthood.

PROCESSES USED BY AGENCIES OF SOCIALIZATION

• Canalization: directing children’s interests/behavior into gendered roles.

• Hidden curriculum: schools teach obedience, competition, punctuality beyond subjects.

• Media representations: portray stereotypes, role models, lifestyles.

• Peer pressure: influence to conform to group norms.

• Religious teachings: moral guidance, collective identity.

• Role modelling: copying behaviour of admired figures.

• Workplace training: teaches skills, norms, professional identity.

SOCIOLOGICAL POVS ON SOCIALIZATION

Consensus vs. Conflict

• Consensus theories (Functionalism): socialization creates shared identity, cohesion.

• Conflict theories (Marxism, Feminism): socialization reinforces inequality and power structures.

Functionalist Ideas

• Inadequate socialization → deviance, breakdown of cohesion.

• Effective socialization → value consensus, social order.

Marxist Ideas

• Socialisation transmits capitalist ideology.

• Reproduces social class inequalities.

• Education/media reinforce ruling class dominance.

Feminist Ideas

• Socialisation into gender roles (masculinity/femininity).

• Reinforces patriarchy and inequality.

• Media, family, education perpetuate stereotypes.

NOTES DONE BY FARIDA SABET

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