UNIT 3

Question 1

The theory of self (G.H. Mead) * The “I”

Answer 1

◦Impulses
◦Instincts
◦Predominance of the emotional; source of spontaneity
* The “Me”

Question 2

The “Me”

Answer 2

◦Influence by the socialization process
◦Internalization of the content of the surroundings
◦Anticipation of the reaction of “others”
◦Awareness, convictions, values, “conscience”
◦Predominance of the rational; perspective of the generalized othe

Question 3

the self

Answer 3

◦Dialectical interaction between the “I” and the “Me

Question 4

• Principle courses of identity

Answer 4

◦Personal characteristics: Gender - Sexual orientation - Character… ◦Reference groups: Profession - Social class - Political views… ◦“Cultural” characteristics: Nationality, ethnic group, language, religion…

Question 5

Process of identity

Answer 5

◦Identity is conferred, maintained and transformers socially ◦Fundamental importance of social recognition

Question 6

“Behind” the roles: Who is the individual according to sociologists?

Answer 6

◦The self emerges from social experience (not just genetics)
Social experience involves communication and exchange of symbols
◦Human communication involves “taking the role of the other”
◦Looking-glass self: image of myself on how I believe others perceive me (how we think others see us)

Question 7

types of socialization:

Answer 7

A. Primary socialization: takes place in early childhood
Reference of “significant others” and limited scope (Ex: Imitation)
B. Secondary socialization: after early childhood
Emergence of “the generalized other” and opening up to the world.
C. Resocialization: replaces earlier socializations (example of total institutions)

Question 8

Socialization:

Answer 8

“A process of social and cultural learning in which the individual is taught to for part of the social environment, internalizing the elements of the culture of reference and the roles of his or her social group.”

Question 9

Role conflict and change

Answer 9

1. Multiplicity of roles with contradictory expectations
2. Disidentification, dissociation or compartmentalization based on where we are
3. Role modification options
4. Role inconsistency → cognitive dissonance (L. Festinger)

Question 10

Social Institutions:

Answer 10

“A set of social roles, norms, behaviors, values that has consolidated over time forms a social institution”.
Ex: Family, religion, education, political institutions, economic institutions, sports.

Question 11

types of identity

Answer 11

Types of identity:
◦Social identity
◦Self-identity
* Principle courses of identity
◦Personal characteristics: Gender - Sexual orientation - Character… ◦Reference groups: Profession - Social class - Political views… ◦“Cultural” characteristics: Nationality, ethnic group, language, religion…
* Process of identity
◦Identity is conferred, maintained and transformers socially ◦Fundamental importance of social recognition

Question 12

Social deviance

instruments to avoid it

Answer 12

social construction of abnormality (labeling of the deviant ones according to cultural norms)

◦Not based on biological or psychological characterist

Instruments to avoid deviance:

◦Persuasion mechanism (convincing, rewarding/positive sanctions)
* When persuasion mechanisms fall (negative sanctions) …
◦Coercion mechanism

Question 13

Social control →

circles

means

Answer 13

a system of sanctions (negative and positive)
◦Preventive, repressive and exemplar

◦State, Community Organizations (work, associations, clubs…), Peer group, Family, Self-awareness

Violence (physical and/or psychological), Social separation (exclusion, reclusion, incapacitation),
Punishment (economic, symbolic, penal), Ridicule - Gossip - Discrediting, Positive sanctions, Mean of self-control.

Question 14

DEVIANCE

Answer 14

ex: pacifist, protester, hacker, armed robber, and someone belching in public
◦Biological (some physical traits lead to deviance) No! ◦Psychological (personality and failed socialization) No! ◦Sociological

It varies from culture to culture
‣ Individuals and behaviors become more deviant as others label them so ‣ It reflects who has power

Question 15

DEVIANCE AND THE 3 APPROACHES

Answer 15

Functionalism: deviance occurs in every society, so it has some function (or several)
◦It helps define norms… and society’s reaction clarifies moral boundaries… and brings society together (“us vs them”…)
◦It can encourage social change, innovation
◦Merton’s strain theory: amount of deviance in a society depends on level of means provided to achieve
culturally defined goals.
◦Assumes that everyone who acts as a deviant will be treated as a deviant
* Symbolic interactionism: it is not so much what the individual does, but how people label it… ◦Labeling can be retrospective or prospective, and affects who responds to deviance and how ◦It can lead to stigma: affects self-image… one label leads to more labeling
◦Differential association: who we associate with makes deviance more or less likely.
* Conflict Theory:
◦Deviance depends on who holds power. Norms and laws reflect the interest of the powerful, so they
label as deviant anything threatening that power.
◦The most deviant are often the most powerless, and not the most dangerous
◦Cultural hegemony: convincing people that what they are used to is the right and has to be this way
(status quo is preserved)