There are two levels of analysis used in sociology, macrosociology which explores the social structures of society and microsociology which investigates social interactions and how people behave towards each other (Henslin, Possamai & Possamai-Inesedy 2011). Whilst social interaction is important in shaping identity and shouldn’t be ignored, this paper will argue that, due to its ability to embed behaviours and beliefs that directly drive our social interactions, social structures are more influential in determining the identity of the individual. This paper will discuss how social structures of culture, class and institutions are expressed and how these factors are more influential in shaping identity. Culture, as an expression of social structure refers to a set of learned characteristics (language, values, beliefs, norms, customs, skills, knowledge, material objects) that make up the way of life in any given society (Browne 2008). These characteristics are learned from one generation to the next through a process known as socialisation (Henslin, Possamai & Possamai-Indesedy 2011). The way a person is raised impacts identity instantly, as newborns are exposed to society’s expectations, learning culture and subsequently forming identity. Suizzo, et al. (2008) suggests that different cultures have varying ideas about what it means to parent a child. When I think about my identity as a parent and use my sociological imagination to analyse my parenting style; I immediately relate to what is referred to by many academics as the independent model. Typically a western influenced cultural method its focus is on encouraging self-sufficiency and independence (Markus & Kitayama 1991). Everyday social interactions I have with m... ... middle of paper ... ...df/10.1080/14427591.2002.9686489> Markus, H.R, Kitayama, S 1991, ‘Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion and motivation’, Psychological Review, Volume 98, viewed 25 November 2013, . Snyder, M, Swann, W.B Jr 1977, ‘Behavioural confirmation in Social Interaction: From Social Perception to Social Reality’ Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Volume 14, viewed 27 November 2013, Suizzo, M, Pahlke, E, Yarnell, L, Chen, K, Romero, S 2012, ‘Parents’ Goals and Values for Children’, Journal of Family Issues, Volume 35, viewed 26 November 2013,
“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” While Jesse Jackson’s words may ring true for many parents, these words have actual theoretical evidence, which support different parenting styles that one can adopt when raising children. Many parents want the best for their children, but sometimes can go too far when they respond to their children’s needs and demands. However, one has to ask which style is appropriate in order to have a well-balance child, and if that is contingent upon the situation. Focusing on one particular theorist, this essay will summarize, analyze and provide a critique of Baumrind’s three styles of parenting on the basis of practical methodology and flexibility.
The key social problem that Dorothy Lee is addressing in her paper is that there is no respect for individual autonomy and integrity in Western Culture. I believe that the problem relates to the expectations surrounded in raising a child and the judgement of a parent if they
Aside from providing the basic needs, families also expose children to other people in the community, also known as socialization. Those involved in the child’s life offers assistance in preparing them to act and think in certain ways that is appropriate in their society. Alongside family, culture exposes children to multiple social practices, division of responsibility, and different values. A child’s culture is displayed through their relationships with others, how they view themselves and their behavior. Two core beliefs mentioned were individualistic and collectivistic cultures.
What do you see when you walk down your high school hallway? Many people will notice cliques, couples, and reclusive beings hidden behind their binder-occupied arms. Where do you fit in society? Are you the judging or the judged, the observer or the observed, or are you exactly who you want to be? Our culture has become increasingly commercialized, the influence of the media on people's identities and how they perceive themselves has become a tremendous force. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote more than 150 years ago, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” As I further describe Emerson's statement, I will explain how qualities, credulousness, and freedom are vital structures
Culture often means an appreciation of the finer things in life; however, culture brings members of a society together. We have a sense of belonging because we share similar beliefs, values, and attitudes about what’s right and wrong. As a result, culture changes as people adapt to their surroundings. According to Bishop Donald, “let it begin with me and my children and grandchildren” (211). Among other things, culture influences what you eat; how you were raised and will raise your own children? If, when, and whom you will marry; how you make and spend money. Truth is culture is adaptive and always changing over time because
With this paper I wanted to focus on psychological aspects that had to do with a different side of the culture. There are three key aspect of information from the c...
The universality versus cultural specificity debate both have aspects that make sense and can be applied to childhood development. On one side, supporters of the argument for the universality of parenting suggest that certain types of parenting styles will produce the same child development outcomes in different cultures. On the other hand, the argument for cultural specificity states that different parenting practices vary from culture to culture, and that culture ultimately determines the outcomes of child development. Each culture has specific styles of parenting that instill values on children particular to that culture. Each individual has characteristics of what their parents taught them, which gives every individual their own personality. Both sides present logical information on the cultural impacts of parenting on child development outcomes.
middle of paper ... ... Sociocultural Subjectivities: Progress, Prospects, Problems. Theory of Psychology, 20(6), 765–780. Mahn, H. (1999, Nov/Dec).
Rosen, Christine. "The Parents Who Don't Want To Be Adults." Commentary 127.7 (2009): 31. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 13 Dec. 2013.
In 1951, Solomon Asch carried out several experiments on conformity. The aim of these studies was to investigate conformity in a group environment situation. The purpose of these experiments was to see if an individual would be swayed by public pressure to go along with the incorrect answer. Asch believed that conformity reflects on relatively rational process in which people are pressured to change their behaviour. Asch designed experiments to measure the pressure of a group situation upon an individual judgment. Asch wanted to prove that conformity can really play a big role in disbelieving our own senses.
Research indicates that leadership styles have a huge impact on how the world is being shaped every day. To demonstrate a clear correlation between leaders and decisions making process, Lilienfeld, Waldman, Watts, Landfield, Rubenzer, & Faschingbauer, (2012), Van, Cilliers, & van Deventer (2008), and Odom, Boyd, & Williams, (2012) developed a sample category of leadership identities based on three different concepts. Beaver et al. (2014) illustrated a high level of leadership, interpersonal traits based on a study done on 42 U.S. president’s psychopathy traits. Van Eeden, et al. (2008) focused on management leaderships and Odom, et al. (2012) presented scholar leaderships. Each article presented respectively a key theme that will be developed in this paper. The first theme is leadership styles. The second theme is leadership psychopathic traits and the third theme is the personality traits of a leader. The three themes combine appeared to unify in one concept of leadership identity, which needs to be developed by effective leaders
To conclude, cultures are a major part of our lives and they constitute the image we see the world in. cultures can sometimes influence us, even in ways we don’t expect. Sometimes we find ourselves forced in cultures with negative stereotypes but that does not mean we should be ashamed of those cultural groups but rather embrace our culture and stray from the negative characteristics of that
In conclusion, social identity theory suggests that intergroup members will discriminate the out-group to increase their own self-image. There are four main concepts in the theory and they are supported by studies such as Cialdini et al. and Tajfel. The theory has both strengths such as it is supported by large amount of research and it demonstrates the roles of social categorization in intergroup behaviours but also limitations such as aim of the theory to favour situational factors rather than dispositional factors is not supported by evidence and that self-esteem hypothesis is not longer central to social identity theory. Therefore, social identity theory can be used to explain how we from our individual and group identities in terms of “in” and “out” groups. It can also be used to explain why prejudice exists in all human societies.
In today’s society, there has been a greater emphasis on identity than in the past. The perception of identity has changed due to the growing human population, and being able to distinguish oneself from the general population. Identity is the uniqueness of a person. As people get older, their identity might change since they become more aware of the society and also are more independent. By creating and recognizing an identity, one can interact with others who have a similar identity. Identity can be formed socially. There are several factors that influence an identity.
Culture can also shape individuals’ development of self, which also influence their behaviors. According to Smith (2014) an individual from Western cultures tend to develop independent self-construal which he or she tends to “strive for self-expression, uniqueness and self-actualization, acting autonomously based on his/her own thoughts and feelings, and pursuing his/her own goals” (p. 160). In contrast, an individual from East Asia tends to acquire interdependent self-construal where he or she tends to view “the self as closely connected to the social context” which he or she strive “to fit in and maintain harmony with relevant others, basing their actions and expectations and social norms” (Smith, 2014, p. 160). The different types of self-construal give rise