Individuality and Socialization

We as a human race have become a byproduct of our society. Through media, technology, and social pressure, humans no longer run society, but it seems like we are run by society. The quote from sociologist Peter Berger states “Not only do people live in society but society lives in them” This statement is referring to a form of social control were groups and the people in those groups conform to society partially knowingly and partially as a reflection based on dominant social expectations. As I further explain Berger’s statement I will explain how individuality, identity, and freedom fit in to such a predetermined future.

Though identity suggests to an aspect of individuality it is really a result of socialization. Identity is how we see ourselves and socialization is “the process through which people learn the expectations of society” (Anderson, 74). Identity therefor becomes a product of socialization. One person could develop multiple identities which are dependent upon what social situation they may be in. A person may identify themselves as one thing in their home environment but that identity could change once in a professional of educational environment. Identity is one aspect of an individual but is based off of learned expectations from society. As Berger’s statement suggests humans not only merely live in society, but society now lays the framework for how we are going to be. As much as we would like to see ourselves as totally independent, without our family, our peers, language, culture, and bigger institutions suggesting ways of living we would have no basis for constructing an identity.

Individuality is defined as the “total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others,” (Britannica) meanin...

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Berger’s quote, “Not only do people live in society but society lives in them” is a poignant look at our society. Even though we created our society and we enjoy believing we are the rulers of it, ultimately society and the pressures of our peers have more impact on our lives and identities than we as individual do alone. The media and the continual development of technology shape and change what we buy, what we look like, and how we interact with one another and other societies. As long as there is a main stream society we will always have social controls and pressure to keep it moving smoothly.

Works Cited

Anderson, Margaret L. and Taylor, Howard F. Sociology: The essential. 6th ed. 2011. Print

“Individuality” Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2011. britannica.com. Web. 28 May. 2011.

“freedom” Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2011. britannica.com. Web. 28 May. 2011.