SOCS 185 Week 2 Assignment 1 How Socialization can affect Lifestyle

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Chamberlain University

SOCS-185 Culture & Society

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Date

The Role of Socialization in Shaping Our Lives

Socialization is the process by which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and behaviors of their culture and society. This lifelong process influences every aspect of our lives, from the way we interact with others to the lifestyle choices we make. Socialization occurs in three primary stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary socialization.

Primary Socialization – This begins at birth and takes place within the family. It is during this stage that individuals learn the basic skills necessary for survival, such as language and communication, as well as foundational values and norms. For example, children learn to express themselves, follow rules, and develop social bonds within the family unit.
Secondary Socialization – As children grow older, they begin to interact with institutions outside the family, such as schools, religious groups, and peer networks. These institutions teach individuals how to behave in specific social settings. For instance, in school, children learn discipline, teamwork, and how to function within a structured environment.
Tertiary Socialization – This occurs when adults enter new environments, such as the workplace, where they must adapt to the norms, behaviors, and expectations of their professional roles. Through tertiary socialization, individuals learn the skills needed to navigate new social landscapes and succeed in various social roles.

Through these stages, individuals internalize societal norms and values, which influence their behavior, lifestyle choices, and attitudes.

How Socialization Affects Lifestyle Choices

Socialization significantly influences the decisions individuals make regarding their lifestyle. From childhood through adulthood, the agents of socialization—family, education, media, and cultural institutions—shape perceptions of what is acceptable and appropriate behavior. These influences extend to a range of lifestyle choices, including fashion, diet, and even personal relationships.

For example, children who grow up in families where health and fitness are prioritized may adopt healthy eating habits and a physically active lifestyle. Conversely, children raised in environments where unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or overeating, are normalized, may be more likely to adopt similar habits. These choices are not made in isolation but are shaped by the social environment.

Moreover, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping modern lifestyle decisions, particularly among young people. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok present idealized versions of life, beauty, and success, often influencing individuals to conform to these standards. As seen in Elizabeth’s case, the constant portrayal of celebrities and influencers as the epitome of beauty can lead to harmful behaviors, such as eating disorders, in the pursuit of societal approval.

The Impact of Socialization on Academic Performance

Socialization also plays a critical role in academic performance. A child’s social environment, including the level of parental involvement and the quality of their peer relationships, can significantly impact their success in school.

Take the case of Arty Fischel, a student struggling academically in an urban school. One reason for Arty’s difficulties could be a lack of parental involvement in his education. Research shows that children whose parents are actively engaged in their schoolwork tend to perform better academically. This involvement includes helping with homework, fostering a conducive learning environment, and encouraging educational success.

In addition, Arty’s social background may be influencing his academic challenges. Children from low-income communities often face additional obstacles, such as limited access to educational resources, fewer positive role models, and a lack of social-behavioral skills like emotional regulation and task completion. These factors can hinder a student’s ability to thrive academically, demonstrating how socialization and socioeconomic status are deeply intertwined with educational outcomes.

Navigating Social Expectations and Norms

Throughout life, individuals are constantly navigating the expectations and norms of the society around them. These expectations can vary across different cultures, communities, and social groups, but they all influence how individuals behave and make decisions.

Socialization equips individuals with the tools needed to meet these expectations and live within societal norms. For instance, understanding how to behave in a workplace setting—such as being punctual, respectful, and collaborative—comes from the process of secondary and tertiary socialization. Similarly, adhering to cultural traditions and values, whether religious or secular, is a result of primary socialization within the family.

Failing to meet societal expectations can lead to social exclusion or judgment, which is why individuals often conform to the behaviors and standards set by their communities. However, it’s important to recognize the balance between conforming to societal expectations and maintaining personal autonomy in decision-making.

Conclusion:

Socialization is a powerful force that shapes who we are, how we behave, and the lifestyle choices we make. From childhood through adulthood, we are influenced by family, peers, media, and other social institutions, which guide our behaviors and attitudes. Recognizing the impact of socialization allows us to better understand our actions and make more informed decisions about how we live our lives.

By taking ownership of our socialization and consciously choosing the influences we allow into our lives, we have the power to shape our future. Whether it’s resisting harmful societal norms, like unrealistic beauty standards, or embracing positive influences, such as educational involvement and healthy lifestyle choices, socialization is a dynamic process that continually shapes our identities and paths.

References

Kendall, D. E. (2018). Sociology in our times: The essentials. Boston MA: Cengage Learning. Bettencourt, A. F., Gross, D., & Breitenstein, S. (2019). Evaluating Implementation Fidelity of a School-Based Parenting Program for Low-Income Families. Journal of School Nursing, 35(5), 325336.