Quema 1

Shelley Quema

Professor Prior

Sociology 1

14 May 2017

Socialization: Nature vs Nurture

1. Nature and Nurture: What do twin studies tell us about nature/nurture? Also, discuss the

influence of heredity in explaining the process of ones personality and intellectual

development. Provide examples.

- Twin studies about nature/nurture show us that nature and nurture can influence behavior

in individuals. Though twins that are separated at young age have different beliefs,

attitudes, etc., they do share biological behaviors and traits. Not only genetic factors

affect an individuals personality and intellectual development, socialization can affect

behavior, temper, nervous habits, and much more. Thus, affecting their development. For

example, if one twin is born and raised in Beverly Hills with a rich family and a person

born in a small town with a lower class family will have different views. The upper class

twin is not as much of a workaholic than the lower class twin. But, the two share the

similar behavioral and genetic aspects.

2. What is the self? According to Charles Horton Cooley, explain the looking glass self.

George Herbert Mead also discusses the stages of the self: identify differences between I

and Me. What is meant by significant others? How are significant others related to the

self? Identify Meads three-stage process of self-development.

 Quema 2

- The self is the image of what we think of ourselves. According to Charles Horton

Cooley, the looking glass self is how we become ourselves is based off social

interactions. There are 3 phases. The first one is how we imagine our peers perceive us. If

we are seen as a relative, a friend, or even a stranger. Secondly, we also imagine how

others evaluate us, meaning if they see us as attractive or intelligent. Lastly, as a result of

these assumptions, we define ourselves. If someone sees me as intelligent, therefore I am

intelligent. According to George Herbert Mead, the I is our acting self. It is the actions

we undertake. On the other hand, the Me is our socialized self. Our previous

knowledge is used to plan our future actions then uses this knowledge to judge our

performance.

4. Identify the agents of socialization. What is the role of schools in gender role

socialization? How has technology (computer, cell phone, email, & TV) influenced the

socialization process?

- The agents of socialization are family, school, peer groups, and media. It is common

knowledge to know that school is a place to learn basic skills and life rules. But on top of

that, it exposes students to new ways of thinking and acting which helps us make future

decisions. Schools help genders socialize. Females are more known to be feminine

meaning they stick to the books and not the sports. Schools also teach equality for all

which help genders treat each other with respect. Media has influenced the socialization

process by showing people different ways of learning and different cultures, beliefs, and

attitudes. Media can help with movements and help spread word about a crisis. Social

media sights has allowed people to interact and socialize with one another from opposite

sides of the world.