Today I introduced the idea of socialization. The previous weeks we were discussing how culture dictates what we do, how we act, etc.  Socialization is the process of how we learn these things. 

I had you decide which Agent of Socialization would be considered a Primary Agent.  The four main agents tend to be Family, Friends, School and the Media.  Which one is most important to you?

Nature v. Nurture

Are you happy? Learn how to THRIVE!

Clicky McClick here for the reading THRIVE.

Everyone should read the Introduction up to page 211 and stop where it says  "1. COMMUNITY".

Then read your assigned section. You will be assigned either:

1) Community
2) Workplace
3) Social Life
4) Financial Life
5) Home
6) Self

The Lost Boys of Sudan

We watched a bit of the movie "God Grew Tired of Us." (Click here to watch the movie via mediacast) 

 Here is a website dedicated to the Lost Boys of Sudan in Chicago.

To speak about culture in a more measured way, think in terms of the way sociologists might break down culture. Culture is made up of material culture as well as the nonmaterial: gestures, language, norms, values.  Describe the cultural differences that the Sudanese men experienced using the terms material cuture, mores, folkways, values?  Have you ever met anyone from a different country? Did you notice or discuss any cultural differences? What component of culture (from the terms above) did those differences fall under?

I also like the contrast in cultural values in the movie between communal society versus individualistic society. We see the Lost Boys in the United States have food, shelter, jobs and schooling but they feel lonely. They miss their culture because they are so used to communal culture. That is being together with their friends and family, rather than living nearly alone in an apartment. This is an important revelation that our culture sometimes de-emphasizes to a fault; we need other people. Humans are social and communal beings. Do you see how this individualist way of living and thinking shapes our lives? How can we work to change that and satisfy our inherent needs for connecting with other people?

Finally, I like watching the movie with our community service in mind. We have so much to be thankful for in our culture. We live in a culture of abundance. We must be mindful of our bounty and mindful of those who have so much less than us. One way to create this mindfulness is through community service. By finding ways to serve others we become grateful for what we have rather than ignoring those who need help and taking for granted all of our bounty. Perhaps you know someone who is able and willing to help them find a job or donate to their cause - here is a list of ways to help.

Blog #4 Subculture

Blog 4 is having you reflect about a subculture that you are apart of.  Subcultures are groups within a group and adhere to the same cultural characteristics of a larger group.  Countercultures are cultural phenomenons that completely reject "normal" society.  Think the Hippies of the 60s and the Beatniks of the 50s.

Take a few pictures of the norms of you subcultures.

What are examples of the following characteristics of your sub culture.  Post the picture that represents it and explain it.  Give real life examples.  How have those characteristics affected your life?  Why did you choose to be part of this subculture?  What happens when someone doesn't follow the rules of your subculture?  Be reflective.  Find out more about yourself and your actions.

1)Mores
2) Folkways
3) Language
4) Symbols
5) Gestures
6) Values


Each picture should be followed by a reflective paragraph explaining the term and how it relates to your life.

I look forward to finding out more about you and you should too!

Holler.