Slide 2:
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior ... [within] the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts
(American Sociological Association)
Slide 3:
Which contributes more to human behaviour & personality? – ‘nature’ (our genetic make-up) or ‘nurture’ (interaction with the environment?
In lower animals, ‘nature’ contributes 100% but there are exceptions, e.g., impact of environment on sex determination in turtles and bees.
In higher animals, both ‘nature’ & ‘nurture’ factors are important.
In human genes, 1) cognitive readiness to learn, 2) behavioural predispositions, 3) unique abilities, talents, personalities are pre-coded.
Slide 4:
Some social psychologists believe that ‘nature’ can be negated by ‘nurture’ – the John-Joan case.
John-Joan is trying to recover his maleness. ?.
Another nature-nurture case – Identical Strangers – 2 separated identical twins. ?
The concept of self is grounded in self-awareness.
Slide 5:
Many agents of socialization in society – family, religion, peers, mass media and educational institutions.
Focus of sociology of the school: the nurturing role of the school as an agent of socialization