4.1 Chapter Learning Objectives and Overview
Learning Objectives
- Interpret the sociological concept of reality as a social construct.
- Apply the different micro sociological theories to a variety of scenarios.
- Explain how individuals present themselves and perceive themselves in a social context.
- Outline how sociologists approach the self and emotions.
- Describe the importance of socialization both for individuals and society.
- Distinguish between the agents and targets of socialization.
- Explain how socialization occurs and recurs throughout life.
Overview
In all people I see myself, none more and not one a barley-corn less,
And the good or bad I say of myself I say of them.
– “Song of Myself, 20” by Walt Whitman
Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself,
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)
– “Song of Myself, 51” by Walt Whitman
Do we contain multitudes? What are these poems saying about the human experience in general? Do we appear differently to different people as the opening image suggests (figure 4.1)? In this chapter, we explore the different identities and selves we may contain. Think about how you define yourself and make a list. What would you put down if you had to answer the question, “Who am I?”
Would you include your family? Friendships? Groups you belong to? Your race? Nationality? Ethnicity? Gender? Sex? Sexuality? Class? Some of these identities might be close to defining who we are, but other aspects of our identity might be less relevant. While we are complex, there is some coherence to us. How can we explain these selves and identities sociologically?
In this chapter, we begin by addressing how we socially construct our worlds. We will then explore different theories that explain how we develop selves and identities. After that, we will discuss the social construction of emotions and end with a discussion of socialization. This chapter aims to give insight into how our social and group memberships influence who we are and how we understand the world around us.
Licenses and Attributions for Chapter Learning Objectives and Overview
Open Content, Original
“Overview” by Matthew Gougherty is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Open Content, Shared Previously
Excerpts from “Song of Myself, 20” and “Song of Myself, 51” by Walt Whitman are in the Public Domain.
Figure 4.1. “Identity-Persona” by NCSU16 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
a person’s distinct identity that is developed through social interaction.
the process wherein people come to understand societal norms and expectations, to accept society’s beliefs, and to be aware of societal values.
a group of people who live in a defined geographic area, interact with one another, and share a common culture.
the people that are being socialized.
a category of identity that ascribes social, cultural, and political meaning and consequence to physical characteristics.
categories of difference organized around shared language, culture and faith tradition.
a term that refers to the behaviors, personal traits, and social positions that society attributes to being female or male
physical or physiological differences between males and females, including both primary sex characteristics (the reproductive system) and secondary characteristics such as height and muscularity.
the sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions and behaviors individuals have toward other people.
any collection of at least two people who interact with some frequency and who share some sense of aligned identity.