Question

Why is socialization so important to the development of our self-concept? Explain the role of socialization in shaping our lives, using at least three concepts from the course material in your explanation.

Answer 1

The term self concept broadly defined as sum of an individual's knowledge & understanding of self. The self concept is developed primarily by our communication with others. We humans are social we developed our understanding by interacting with others. We developed opinion about ourselves by observing the way others respond to while communicating with us. The term socialization defines as the cultural process of learning to participate in group life. It teaches us how to be human. Socialization is a life long process that teaches our beliefs, values & inner behavior. In other words it creates our personality. Two very famous studies have been done which shows the importance of socialization in our life. First Harry Harlow's monkey studies in 1959 which reveals that closeness & comfort were far more important than food. In other words we have a need for intimacy, warmth & comfort above everything & if we don't get these things our life become stressful. Another major studies by Lawrence casler in 1965 with underprivileged children like children living in orphanages he found if you provide children with 20 minutes of extra touch on daily basis we can improve the development & growth than the kids who do not receive them. Socialization ultimately leads to an individual completely accepts the society's norms & beliefs & become a part of who they are.