Socialization Autobiography

Format:

Paper that fails to follow the format instructions will lose points in the “Formatting and Overall Flow” section of the rubric.

– Please do NOT include your name or any identifier in your submitted paper, start your first paragraph right away.

– Please use 12′ font, 1-inch margin, and double space for this paper.

– Your paper should be roughly three pages, at least 750 words. There is no maximum word count requirement, but I will not give extra points only because you have exceeded 750 words. It is better to have clear and concise arguments.

– Write in paragraphs and use transitions. Do NOT use one big paragraph for any type of academic writing. Break it down into multiple smaller ones.

– Use the instruction below as a guideline, but do NOT simply answer those bullet point questions.

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The purpose of this project is for you to use your sociological imagination to explore some of the ways you have been socialized.  As we studied in class, socialization is the process by which individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of a given society and learn to function as members of that society. 

Instruction:

Choose one group that you are a part of, and reflect on how you socialized (how you internalized different values and beliefs) within this group. 

This may include a religious group, family, school, community, neighborhood, media, etc. These are the agents of socialization.  The group you choose should be specific, meaning, do not just choose school.  Rather, pick one school you have attended, such as a university, your high school, or middle school.  The more specific the group, the better your write-up will be.  

Components:

1. Introduction: Briefly explain this agent of socialization you chose and why you picked them.  For top points, consider answering the following:

• Which group did you choose?
• Are they recent or from long ago?  Are they short-term or long-term?
• Why has this group been so influential in your socialization? 

2. Content: The main body of your essay should tell the story of your involvement in this group.  Use your sociological imagination to analyze the socialization process.  However, you must include the content listed below.  Papers that do not clearly identify the sociological content will not receive a grade above 70%.  Reference course material, and include the following:

• Describe the group and how you became part of it: Who is in the group? How are they related to you? Why did you join the group? Was this a choice?
• Describe your status within the group: What is your status? How did you come to have that status?
• Describe two distinct forms of communication that are used in the group: signs/symbols, gestures, and language.
• Describe one value, one norm, and one sanction that the group upholds: What is the value/norm/sanction? Why is this significant to this group?
• Describe one act that this group will consider as deviant: What is the act? Is there an example of you or someone in your group being deviant? What are the consequences of that act?

3. Conclusion: Explain the ways your life choices are constrained and enabled by these agents of socialization.  For top points, consider answering the following:

• What does it mean to look at your life through a sociological lens?
• Does it change the way you look at how you were raised, or how you came to be involved with these groups?
• In what ways do you see the different agents of socialization interacting?  For example, how do the institutions (such as family and school) interact to reinforce similar values/norms/beliefs?  In what ways do institutions conflict and thereby promote opposing values/norms/beliefs?
• What new questions or perspectives do you find yourself asking or exploring, based on your use of your sociological imagination?