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5.1 Describe the development of the self in the context of symbolic interaction.

Video Link: Symbolic Interaction

Description: Symbolic interactionism looks at how individuals interpret their societal interactions based on their past experiences.

Audio Link: Can A Computer Change The Essence Of Who You Are?

Description: The podcast examines the imperceptible way computers affect human behavior.

Web Resource: Sociological Theory/Symbolic Interactionism

Description: The website explains the Symbolic Interaction Theory.

 

5.2 Discuss the concept of the individual as performer, including the ideas of impression management and the front and back stages.

Video Link: Introduction to Sociology: George Herbert Mead: The I and the Me

Description: The video explains Clark Cooley and George Herbert Mead’s concept of “I” and “me.” It also explains Mead and Cooley’s observations about the role others play in our perceptions of ourselves.

Audio Link: Why Is It So Hard To Say No?

Description: The audio discusses a research study, which finds that the willingness of individuals to complete a task depends on whether they asked to do it face-to-face or by phone or email.

Web Resource: Social Media: The Death of Real World Interaction?

Description: The article discusses how social networks are becoming the preferred method for social interactions and are taking precedence over face-to-face conversations.

 

5.3 Explain the significance of socialization in childhood and adulthood.

Video Link: Genie Wiley - An Overview

Description: The video is a short documentary about Genie Wiles who was removed from her parents’ custody at 13 years old after being held in isolation by them for most of her life.

Audio Link: Science Looks At the Sibling Effect

Description: Jeffrey Kluger describes current scientific research that examines the effects of siblings on human behavior and looks at the effects of birth order, sibling rivalries, and fighting.

Web Resource: How are Children Socialized?

Description: The website discusses factors that affect a child’s personality from birth and which are transformed through socialization. The article is a cross-cultural study of socialization and compares and contrasts how different cultures socialize their children.

 

5.4 Describe the key aspects of interaction with others as socialization.

Audio Link: Parenting Debate: Free Range or Neglect?

Description: The audio discusses a current debate in parenting. It demonstrates the concept of the “generalized other” by reflecting on how the attitude of the entire group or community can affect decision-making. In this case, many parents base how they should raise their children on what the group or community would think of their choices.

Web Resource: Agents of Socialization

Description: The website identifies the key agents of socialization and the lifelong interactive process of cultural learning.

 

5.5 Identify micro-level social structures, including social networks and groups.

Video Link: Group Identity - Ingroup and Outgroup Formation

Description: The video explains how group identities are formed in school. It also examines the dynamics of the formed groups.

Audio Link: In Primary Races, Republicans Fight Back Tea Party

Description: The podcast reflects on the ways the Republican Party (known for its conservative views) attempts to distinguish itself from the Tea Party (a more conservative faction) during elections by emphasizing the reasons why the Tea Party is the “out-group” or the “other”.

Web Resource: Basic Sociology - Group Behavior

Description: The website explains group characteristics and their importance to social structure.