Socialization: Nature vs Nurture

1. Based on twin studies focused on the Nature vs Nurture argument, this discussion is
likely to be concluded based on a different study. There are strong cases for both sides
when it comes to twins. Things like voice patterns, nervous habits, leadership qualities,
and other quirks are found to be similar in twins who are brought up differently, so it
seems nature plays a big role in self-development. However, characteristics like attitude,
values, need for intimacy and comfort, and even drinking habits vary, as was the case
based on twins Oskar Stohr and Jack Yufe. They were brought up very differently, and
were very different people, but displayed similarities that would seem impossible based
on their upbringings. So it would seem that heredity does play a role in ones
development of their personality.
2. The Self is the sense of who we are. Everyones self is distinct, and it comes from their
own social interactions they have experienced. The Looking-Glass Self comes from the
theory that we develop ourselves based on how we think others see us. First we imagine
how others see us, then we imagine how others evaluate that perception of us, and finally
we define ourselves based on those evaluations we think others have made. According to
George Herbert Mead, the Self has two parts: the I and the Me. Simply put, the I is the
acting self, it represents our actions. The Me is the socialized self, it represents our plans
and judgments. Any significant other is a person we interact with who is important to the
development of our Self. Mead also states there are three stages to self-development.
First, the Preparation Stage. This stage lasts until age 3, and is primarily filled with
imitation of those close to us, and beginning to understand the symbolism of certain
interactions. The next stage is the Play Stage, which lasts until age 5. Imitation is still
happening, but it has moved on to people such as teachers, superheroes, police officers,
etc. Role playing and use of the imagination are at work here, as we start to understand
more people in our society. The last stage is the Game Stage, which lasts until age 9.
During this stage, we begin to truly understand others social positions and develop s
sense of responsibility.
3. The dramaturgical approach is a view of social interaction in which people are performers
on a stage trying to act out scenarios successfully. The Front Stage is where we perform,
while backstage is where we prepare for the performance. We all feel the need to
maintain a presentable image if we wish to continue to engage in social interaction. That
is why we participate in face-work (working hard to avoid embarrassment) and
impression management (altering our selves to appeal to a certain audience). We all might
change ourselves a little bit to avoid isolation.
4. The Agents of Socialization are family, peer groups, school, the workplace, mass
media/technology, and religion and the state. Schools have a role in gender role
socialization. A subculture such as the one existent is educational facilities presents

gender roles to students, and informs them of what is expected of them based on their
gender. This could even happen through interaction with their peers. Media and
technology can have negative and positive effects on the socialization process. It can
introduce young people to unfamiliar cultures and lifestyles, and educate them about
these new things. Technology can help people maintain close relationships if they are not
geographically close. However, time spent on technology can take away from the
intimacy of personal relationships if proper attention is not given to the relationship.
People might also only choose to interact with people very similar to themselves while
using technology and media services, which wont help them develop an understanding
of other peoples.
5. A total institution regulates all aspects of a persons life under one authority, such as a
prison or the military. There are four traits to a total institution according to Erving
Goffman. One, all aspects of life happen in one place under one authority. Two, all
activities are in shared company of others in the same situation. Three, rules and
schedules are made without input from participants. Four, everything in the institution is
designed to fulfill the goal of the organization. Some total institutions have degradation
ceremonies, which are used to strip participants of their sense of self. This is
accomplished by removing personal belongings and making each member uniform.
6. How a society views the elderly affects how they deal with their elderly population. In

some societies, elders are revered for their experience and wisdom. In other societies,
elders are seen as unproductive members of the population. Societies might adhere to
either disengagement theory and cut off all ties with the elderly, or the activity theory, and
try to maintain the elders status as am active member of the population in order to
improve their quality of life. Finding a solution to ageism would be difficult, but I think
we could begin with allowing the elderly decide how they want to live out the rest of
their lives, either as active members of society or as isolated and cut-off members.