The Power of Socialization: Influences and Intentions
Thinking about your own experiences being socialized growing up, and thinking about what you heard your group members say in their essays and their responses to others, answer the following:
What were the most common things that people learned from their parents and significant others that raised them? From other people?
What were the most common methods of socialization used by parents? By significant others?
What do you think about the effects on them today, in their attitudes, values, self esteem, adult behaviors, and morals?
Personally as an adult, who are you influencing or socializing today? What are methods you use?
What are your intentions in the socialization? What do you want this person to learn from you?
Title: The Power of Socialization: Influences and Intentions
Introduction: Socialization plays a vital role in shaping individuals’ attitudes, values, self-esteem, adult behaviors, and morals. It begins at an early age and continues throughout our lives, with parents, significant others, and other people serving as key influencers. In this essay, we will explore the most common things people learn from their parents and significant others, the methods of socialization employed by them, and the effects these have on individuals today. Furthermore, we will discuss the personal experiences of influencing others as adults, the methods used, and the intentions behind this socialization.
Thesis Statement: Socialization from parents and significant others imparts crucial aspects of our identity and shapes our beliefs. The methods employed during this process have a profound impact on individuals’ attitudes, values, self-esteem, adult behaviors, and moral compass. As adults, we continue to influence others through various methods, driven by our intentions to impart knowledge, shape character, and foster growth.
Body:
Most common things learned from parents and significant others:
Values and beliefs: Parents and significant others serve as primary sources for instilling values such as honesty, respect, empathy, and responsibility.
Cultural norms and traditions: Customs, practices, and traditions are passed down through generations, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural identity.
Social skills: Interpersonal skills, communication techniques, and etiquette are acquired through observation and guidance from parents and significant others.
Work ethic: Parents often play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ attitudes towards work by instilling discipline, perseverance, and a sense of responsibility.
Gender roles: Parents and significant others contribute to the development of gender roles by assigning specific tasks and responsibilities that align with societal expectations.
Most common methods of socialization used by parents and significant others:
Modeling: Parents act as role models through their own behavior, demonstrating desired attitudes, values, and behaviors for their children to emulate.
Instruction: Parents explicitly teach their children specific values, beliefs, skills, and knowledge through conversations, lessons, and discussions.
Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is used to encourage desired behaviors, while negative reinforcement discourages undesirable actions.
Punishment: Parents may resort to punishment or discipline to discourage certain behaviors or enforce adherence to rules.
Communication: Open dialogue between parents or significant others and children helps in the transmission of cultural values, traditions, and family history.
Effects on individuals today:
Attitudes: Socialization influences individuals’ attitudes towards diverse topics such as religion, politics, race, and gender.
Values: The values instilled during socialization shape individuals’ moral compass, guiding their decisions and actions in various aspects of life.
Self-esteem: Positive reinforcement and encouragement during socialization contribute to the development of healthy self-esteem.
Adult behaviors: The learned behaviors during socialization impact individuals’ interactions with peers, colleagues, and society at large.
Morals: Socialization plays a crucial role in developing individuals’ moral framework by teaching them right from wrong.
Personal experiences of influencing others as adults:
As adults, we continue to influence others in various capacities such as parents, mentors, educators, or leaders.
Methods used can include modeling desired behaviors, providing guidance through advice and support, offering constructive feedback, and creating a nurturing environment for growth.
Intentions behind socialization may vary but often include fostering personal growth, imparting knowledge and skills, promoting empathy and understanding, and encouraging independence.
Conclusion: Socialization from parents and significant others plays a pivotal role in shaping who we become as individuals. The methods used during this process have a lasting impact on our attitudes, values, self-esteem, adult behaviors, and moral compass. As adults, we have the opportunity to influence others through purposeful socialization. By employing various methods aligned with our intentions for growth and learning, we can positively shape the lives of those around us.