Social Inequality and Socialization: Conflict, Agents, Behavior
1. Social Inequality & Conflict Theory
Starting position: Limited opportunities → fewer points or rewards
Real-life analogy: Lower classes have fewer resources → less chance of success
Connection to Conflict Theory (Karl Marx): Society = struggle between groups; unequal access to resources maintains social hierarchy
2. Abnormal Socialization
Isolated/feral children (extreme neglect): Genie (pseudonym) — lacked language, thought, and social skills
Key idea: Human nature depends on nurture; social interaction is essential for full development
Forms of abuse
Forms of Abuse:
| Type | Definition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | Non-accidental injury | Normalizes violence; creates a sense of insecurity |
| Sexual | Non-consensual sexual acts | Shame, low self-worth, difficulty trusting |
| Emotional/Psychological | Constant criticism or rejection | Damaged self-esteem (broken Looking‑Glass Self) |
| Neglect | Lack of basic needs | Impairs trust, social, and emotional development |
Key takeaway
Key takeaway: Socialization is essential to become a fully functioning human; without it, potential is never realized.
3. Agents of Socialization
Primary: Family
Primary: Family → teaches norms and values
Family structures: nuclear, extended, lone-parent, blended, same-sex
Secondary agents
Secondary:
School: Knowledge plus social rules (punctuality, teamwork)
Peers: Critical in adolescence; can oppose family values
Workplace: Extends lessons from school (teamwork, punctuality)
Media: Influences values, norms, and identity (social media, TV)
Religion: Moral codes, charity, community
4. Life Stages (Erikson-inspired)
| Stage | Key Events | Roles/Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| Young Adult | Education, independence | Romantic relationships, cultural traditions |
| Newly Married | Social status, parenthood | Conflict resolution, family traditions |
| Family with Young Children | Socialize children | Pass cultural traditions |
| Family with Adolescents | Autonomy vs. control | Balance peer influence |
| Mid-life | Launch grown children | Integrate new family members |
| Later life | Retirement | Pass traditions; reintegrate agents of socialization |
5. Discrimination & Stereotypes
Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, ability, or orientation
Stereotypes: Oversimplified beliefs → lead to prejudice → discrimination
Types
Types:
Overt → obvious (slurs, refusal to hire)
Systemic → built into institutions (policies, laws)
Theories & case studies
Theories & Case Studies:
| Theory | Example |
|---|---|
| Learned Theory | Students imitate family’s prejudice → exclude Amina |
| Competition Theory | Students feel threatened by Amina’s grades → exclude her |
| Frustration–Aggression | Students redirect stress toward Amina |
| Ignorance Theory | Avoid Amina due to lack of knowledge |
Other types of discrimination: Racism, Sexism, Ableism, Ageism, Classism
6. Collective Behaviour
Convergence Theory: Crowd forms because participants share beliefs or values
Rational Decision Theory: People join a crowd after weighing risks and benefits
Prosocial Theory: Crowds often cooperate or help during emergencies
7. Courtship & Dating Practices
| Era | Features | Social Expectations | Forces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1900s | Home courtship, letters | Marriage/practicality > romance | Patriarchy, religion |
| 1920s | Out-of-home dates | Some autonomy | Urbanization, youth culture |
| 1930s–50s | Movies, “going steady” | Dating = social status | Post-Depression, WWII recovery |
| 1960s–80s | Less parental control, cohabitation | Love and compatibility | Sexual revolution, feminism |
| 1990s–2000s | Online dating, casual dating | LGBTQ+ acceptance | Internet, globalization |
| 2010s–Present | Apps, social media, “ghosting” | Choice, personal preference | Smartphones, social media, diversity |
8. Subcultures & Labeling Theory
Subculture: Group with unique norms, values, and behaviors
Reason to join: Combat alienation; gain a sense of belonging
Labeling Theory (Becker):
Primary deviance → minor act
Societal reaction → label as deviant
Secondary deviance → internalize label
Examples of Subcultures: Vampire, Greaser, Beatnik, Manga, Trekkie, Hip Hop, Cybergoth, Grunge, Emo, Extreme Sports
Counterculture: Rejects mainstream; challenges authority
Cults: Extreme control, isolation, charismatic leadership
9. Aggression
Forms:
Hostile → emotional, anger-driven
Instrumental → goal-driven, calculated
Relational → harms social relationships (exclusion, gossip)
Theories
Differential Association → aggression learned from close contacts
Social Learning → imitate aggression; reinforced by rewards or punishments
Strain Theory → blocked access to goals → aggression or crime
Control methods
Strengthen institutions
Address structural inequality
Pro-social role modeling and media literacy
Restorative justice