Socialization and Agents of Socialization (7B) - MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

A social context or institution that transmits norms, values, and roles. Examples include family, schools, peers, and media.

Replacing old norms and roles with new ones, often in a new setting. Involves unlearning previous patterns and learning new ones.

Institution that controls most life domains under a single authority. Examples include prisons, military, and psychiatric hospitals.

Self-concept shaped by perceived judgments of others. We see ourselves through how we think others see us.

Internalized norms and expectations of society at large. Represents society's collective attitudes within the individual.

Concrete operational stage. Children can understand rules and see from others' viewpoints.

Egocentrism and symbolic thinking. Children can't yet see others' perspectives fully.

Conformity to social rules and desire for approval/law-and-order. Morality based on maintaining social order and relationships.

Obedience and self-interest, guided by punishment and reward. Morality based on avoiding punishment and gaining rewards.

Abstract ethical principles and rights that may transcend laws. Morality based on universal principles of justice and rights.

Person or institution that transmits norms, values, and roles. These entities shape how individuals learn social expectations.

Process of learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors for society. Individuals internalize cultural expectations to function in society.

Primary: early, family-based; Secondary: later, institutions/peers. Primary occurs in childhood; secondary continues throughout life.

Family. First and most intimate source of socialization.

School (education system). Hidden curriculum includes implicit social rules and values.

Peer groups. Provides horizontal socialization among equals.

Adopting behaviors of a group one expects to join in the future. Prepares individuals for future roles through early adoption.

Self-concept shaped by how one thinks others perceive and judge them. We imagine others' judgments and develop self-feelings accordingly.

Mortification of the self. Strips away individual identity to create institutional conformity.

Institution that controls most aspects of life under a single authority. Examples include prisons, military boot camps, and psychiatric hospitals.

Replacing old norms with new norms, often in a new environment. Common in major life transitions like military training or rehabilitation.

Adopting behaviors of a group one hopes to join. Prepares individuals for future roles they aspire to occupy.

Implicit lessons about norms, hierarchy, discipline, and conformity. Teaches social rules beyond formal academic content.

Internalized sense of society’s norms and expectations. Represents the collective attitudes of the community.

Peer groups. Become increasingly influential during teenage years.

Family (parents or caregivers). First and most influential source of norms and values.

Occupational roles, professional norms, and organizational culture. Socializes adults into professional identities and behaviors.

Group used for self-evaluation and setting norms, whether or not one belongs. Provides standards for comparison and behavioral guidance.

Gender socialization. Teaches different expectations based on perceived gender.