complex and highly debatable. Often, the role of the parent is viewed from the
perspective of the child. In general, there are three perspectives with regard
to the socialization of children.
Some view children born with little self-control or
conscious. In this view, the socializing of children them means forcing them to
embrace the culture’s accepted ways of behaving.
A contrasting view emphasizes the innocence of children but
sees socialization as the process by which we expose the child to tough
realities of human life.
A final perspective sees the newborn child as a ‘blank
slate,’ ready to be shaped and molded through rewards and punishment.
Directions:
In a two to three page paper, discuss your views about the
socialization of children. Consider the perspectives described above as you
respond to the following:
How would parenting styles differ under the framework of
each of the perspectives described above?
Give one or two examples of how and/or what parents would
expose their children to in order to socialize them according to each of the
perspectives.
Which of the sociological perspectives is most closely
aligned with each of the socialization perspectives described above?
Which of the above is most prevalent in our society?
Explain.
Which of the above is closest to your own view? Why?
