Purpose: To demonstrate understanding of socialization and social groups by applying various terms, concepts, and theories to original examples.
Instructions: Read the chapters on socialization and groups/organizations (Chapter 5 and 6 from Introduction to Sociology 3e), and write an essay of at 1000 words. Sections to help guide you as you create your responses.
· Identification of a group that you belong to, with discussion in sociological terms of what type(s) of group it would be and why you belong to that group.
· Identification of your main social status /role in the group (remember that social status in sociology means something different than when those words are used in common conversation), with identification and discussion of the type of status that would be (Ascribed, Achieved, Temporary, or Master Status).
· Discussion of some of the role expectations that are associated with that status.
· An example of role strain or role conflict you have experienced (be sure to identify which it is!). Briefly discuss whether or not you have considered role exit tied to this status/role.
· With regard to the theories of socialization, and how we learn from the various “agents of socialization,” identify and discuss how one of those *theories was relevant to YOUR socialization in that group, or tied to another group/agent of socialization. Be sure to reference one of the specific theories of socialization from the chapter readings in your discussion. There are several to choose from, including those of Mead, Cooley, Erikson, Goffman, Kohlberg, Gilligan, etc). This answer is worth the most points, so be sure to DISCUSS how the theory tied to YOUR socialization and development
