9.2 socialization

 

1. Summary 

What is socialization according to various sociologists it is certain that it is an important and fundamental social concept. But elements that consisting "socialization" can be different scholars by scholars.

Jeffrey J. Arnett said that there are 3 goals of socialization. 

"1. impulse control and the development of a conscience.

2. role preparation and performance, including occupational roles, gender roles, and roles in institutions such as marriage and parenthood. 

3. the cultivation of sources of meaning, or what is important, valued, and to be lived for " In sum, "Socialization" involves adapting to the dominant culture of society to enable humans to function effectively within it. 

As human society and it's culture are varied the socialization process can be varied. And we should not unfairly condemn one society's socialization process. 

Socialization is important process in society but not every human behavior in society is "learned" thing. Quite many researchers in various fields argue that some basic aspect of it is innated not learned. Even the young kids know or have the things like empathy and morals.

There are some types of socialization. 

We can divide socialization into primary and secondary socialization based on when it occurs. Primary socialization occurs only during childhood, while secondary socialization occurs throughout life whenever one enters or interacts with new groups.

We can also categorize socialization into a range of knowledge obtained through socialization. Broad socialization involves obtaining general and common knowledge in society, while narrow socialization involves obtaining knowledge that is limited to minor groups or subcultures. The latter can lead individuals to isolation.

Some socialization can be conducted by unvoluntarily. For example asylum and nursing house are good example. This kinds of institutions that aim to resocialize people regardless of their will.  It is called as "total institution" and their are 5 aspects of total institution according to Erving Goffman.

"1. all aspects of life are conducted in the same place under the same authority.

2. the individual is a member of a large cohort, all treated alike.

3. all daily activities (over a 24-hour period) are tightly scheduled.

4. there is a sharp split between supervisors and lower participants.

5. information about the member's fate is withheld."

The author of this article also introduced why socialization is important by citing the examle of feral kid. The young people who have been grown in the wild nature.

There are 4 theories in this book that relate with socialization.

Symbolic Interactionism - This theory suggests people are being socialized by their interactions with others in society. It emphasizes the importance of communication, symbols, and shared meanings in shaping individual behavior and attitudes. 

Role Theory - This theory proposes that people adopt various roles in society and that roles help to structure their behavior and attitudes in society.

Reinforcement Theory - This theory suggests that behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments. People learn to repeat behaviors that are rewarded and avoid behaviors that are punished. 

Internalization Theory - This theory proposes that individuals internalize cultural norms, values, and beliefs through socialization, and that these internalized structures guide their behavior and attitudes. 

2. Discussion

Although the globalization is being reduced recently. The immigrants are coming to developed nation more and more. South korea is not exception in this. Recently new south korea regime announced that they will make a"administration of immigration". But I am very skeptical about whether they success the "socialization" of the immigrants. Considering this regime is following the same path of failure of immigration policy of western society.

In UK where the "Muhammad" is the most popular in new born babies. https://www.trtworld.com/life/muhammad-top-baby-name-for-fifth-year-running-in-uk-52191

The Muslims are not well socialized with British society. The half of Muslims in UK believe homosexuality should be punished and 23% of Muslims want sharia law. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/apr/11/british-muslims-strong-sense-of-belonging-poll-homosexuality-sharia-law

According to Gilles de Kerchove in 2017, the UK also had the highest number of Islamist radicals in the EU numbering between 20 and 25,000. 

This shows not only the failure of British immigration policy it also shows that British Muslim immigrants are not being socialized in British society. Why is that? Because the immigration was made so rapidly and recklessly. British capitalists just brought immigrants because they work for cheep wage than average Anglo-Saxon Britishes. So the proper socialization cannot be made.

South korea should learn from it. Although most of immigrants in south korea is came from China and Vietnam where the Confucius teachings are live. South korea should give the proper aids and education to immigrants and the south koreans to make a better society. 

3. Questions

How can we ensure proper socialization of immigrants who come to our nation?

What kinds of socialization theory explains socialization well?