Chapter 3 of “Sociology: A Brief Introduction” introduces the significance of heredity and socialization, the processes of socialization, and sociological perspectives on socialization. Along with diversity among different ethnicity's, sociological agents, and socialization among adults. For the last few centuries, there have been debates whether nature or socialization make us who we are. Some sociologists will argue different, but for majority, heredity only allows the probability that a given trait will materialize, and what is inherited can be encouraged or suppressed by socialization. The significance of socialization can be seen of the case studies of children who have become feral, isolated, or institutionalized with the lack of socialization and the gifted traits of those who have been adequately socialized. There are many processes of socialization. Some being learning how to think, feel, be normal, moral, and even how to be feminine or masculine. Learning how to think begins at birth and as they grow through adolescence they develop advanced mental capabilities. Children learn how to feel largely through their parents, beginning with identification of …show more content…
In the functionalist perspective, socialization serves many functions for a society, social order by far being the most important. As well as providing psychological and economic benefits. However, in the conflict perspective, some aspects of socialization is harmful to children. Due to parent's massive power over their children, socialization can lead to exploitation and abuse to children. Lastly, the symbolic interactionists focus not on whether socialization is good or bad for society, but on how children develop a sense of who they are through interactions with substantial individuals in their lives. They say socialization can be bright or dark, it just depends on what self-image the child has developed through these