Sociology of Self, Socialization, and Groups

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Jean Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development do you believe are most affected by social isolation? Explain your reasoning. 200 words.

Although social isolation will affect a person's cognitive development at all stages, the earliest stages of cognitive development might be the most severely impacted. During the sensorimotor stage and the preoperational stage, the infant needs to hear language and this can only be done through regular contact with other people. In the absence of social contact, the infant's language growth may be seriously stunted and could impact the child's development at later stages. It is certainly possible that social isolation during the first few stages of development could lead to impaired ability to learn. Social isolation might also minimize the infant's contact with information and objects that help fundamental learning processes. Social isolation naturally implies fewer stimuli necessary for cognitive and social development. If social isolation occurs at a later developmental stage, the person may suffer in different ways such as by a lack of knowledge of social norms that might help the person in social situations. However, social isolation during the first two stages in Piaget's schema are more likely to lead to permanent problems with perception and cognition, particularly in the area of language development, communication, and trust.

2. Examine the social constructs of feeling, gender, and humor. How do these relate to the presentation of self? Provide examples that show the correlation between the influence of society and how we present ourselves. 200 words

Gender, humor, and feeling can all be socially constructed. According to Durkheim, emotions can be socially constructed in a variety of ways, under a variety of circumstances, and for a variety of reasons. Fisher & Chon (1989) show how some social rituals like funerals re-create events through symbols, which are designed to evoke specific emotions. There is a "moral pressure" to feel a certain way, or at least to act as if one felt a certain way. Durkheim calls this type of emotional response a form of acting called "deep acting," (Fisher & Chon, 1989, p. 6). Another way feelings can be socially constructed is that one emotional state may lead to another (Fisher & Chon, 1989). Humor, which is closely linked to emotion, is also socially constructed. Norms, symbols, and values impart their importance onto the humor in a specific culture or social situation. Gender is in part socially constructed, not biologically determined.

Aspects of the self that are socially constructed will impact one's presentation of self. A person will present a socially acceptable image, or an image that one desires to project onto the social world. This is why a person may be different when he or she is with family or alone vs. In public, or why actors or comedians have stage personas far different from their private selves.

3. Identify the role of the family in the upbringing of a child, and determine its importance as a primary social group. Identify the characteristics of a secondary group and why it would be detrimental for a primary group, such as a family, to become a secondary group. 200 words

Families play an integral role in the upbringing of a child, serving as the extended "village" in some cases, and in others providing emotional sustenance, physical nourishment, and opportunities for learning and appropriate developmental growth. Beyond the maternal and paternal bonds, the child forms relationship with other adults in the family who might become role models, as well as with family members who are of the same age or peer group. Even individuals who are not blood related can be defined as a "family" in the sense of being a primary social group. A primary social group is one that is close knit and also defined by being long lasting ("Types of Social Groups: Primary, Secondary and Reference Groups," n.d.). Many traditional societies have strong primary social groups beyond the nuclear family. A secondary social group includes circles of friends, acquaintances, and colleagues who do not provide primary social support. Important for strategic objectives or goals, a secondary social group is one that may be small or large but is defined as being shorter lived than a primary social group. It would be detrimental for a primary group to become a secondary group, because that would entail dismantling the strong social ties that had been formed. Primary social groups provide love and support.

4. According to Macionis (2011), socialization is the process by which people learn culture and develop their human potential.

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How do you believe social isolation hinders the development of an individual's human potential? 200 words

Socialization is a "lifelong social experience by which people develop their human potential and learn culture," (Macionis, 2011). Social isolation deprives the individual of the opportunity to learn culture and develop human potential. When isolated from others, a person is not exposed to challenges in social situations that might help with the development of character or resilience. Social situations can be confrontational, even among friends. This helps to build verbal prowess and other important skills. As a result, the person might develop personality traits that can be undesirable or counterproductive. However, some individuals develop their human potential even when in isolation. Artists are often isolated individuals but they nevertheless use their time in social isolation to develop their skills and talents. This is why some artists may be perceived of as eccentric, because they do not conform to the social norms that have been established and are usually socialized. Social isolation can be detrimental to the development of human potential in the sense that one is not exposed to new ideas as often as in a socially rich environment. Similarly, social isolation may cause a person to not reach his or her potential as a social being.

5. Through various examples, describe several benefits and downfalls of the bureaucratic organization. Address the three different types of organizations in your examples: utilitarian, normative, and coercive. 200 words

Bureaucracies allow persons in upper management or power positions to wield a great deal of control over procedures. In organizations that are not bureaucratic, power tends to be distributed more evenly throughout the organization. This helps empower employees and create a positive working environment, but it can help with things like efficiency and standardization. Ironically, though, bureaucracies are often inefficient because each department and each ranking operates independently and often without access to knowledge. This means that people in the organization are not empowered to make decisions, thus wasting time by continually passing around a task or information.

Utilitarian organizations have specific goals in mind. Members value these organization for their perceived utility to their own lives, such as receiving a paycheck (Sills, 2010). Many utilitarian organizations are also bureaucratic in nature, such as large corporations. Bureaucracies help some organizations maintain their profitability, but those organizations may also have high turnover rates, like fast food corporations. Normative organizations operate according to a specific set of values, beliefs, or norms such as religion. Religious and other normative organizations can be bureaucratic, which helps them to maintain commitment to their reputation, image, and mission. Coercive organizations are described by their use of force to retain members, such as a cult. Because power must be centralized in a coercive organization, they are often bureaucratic.

6. How do different groups influence a person's presentation of self? Take into account the different factors of a group, such as group size, leadership, group conformity, and social diversity. You do not need to go in-depth about each, but address a few. 200 words

Different types of groups influence a person's presentation of self. For example, a person will behave differently among small group of friends vs. In class at school or with a group of strangers at a party. The differences in behavior will vary considerably from individual to individual. Group size, leadership, group conformity, and social diversity are some of the factors that impact a person's presentation of self. Individual differences, such as personality, may also impact one's presentation of self.

A person may feel more comfortable around people who are similar in background or belief system, and act differently when among people who are different. Factors such as perceived acceptance by the group, or innate biases and prejudices, might impact one's presentation of self. The ways other members of the group react to the person will impact presentation of self. This is why a person will act differently when in front of a boss vs. In front of a potential girlfriend or boyfriend. Likewise, a person might express a certain set of personality traits among their primary social groups like family and friends, but be more reserved when meeting people for the first time.

Leadership can impact a person's presentation of self. Some people are empowered by strong leaders; whereas others are intimidated. Likewise, some people rebel against groups with strong social conformity rules. Others are more apt to.....

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