Socialization is the term given to the process by which an individual becomes a member of their culture. This process helps explain human development because it shows how culture keeps on evolving over time as individuals take on the behaviors and attitudes of their cultures. This also helps to outline differences between different cultures.
2.) List and discuss the three components of the developmental niche and give examples from your own life.
The developmental niche is composed of three sections customs of the family and society, settings of the family, and caretaker psychology. My family customs ran more to traditional family get-togethers around the holidays when extended and nuclear families all gathered to celebrate together. The setting of my home and family life was always full of family members at any given time. We often have family outings where our bond grows closer. The caretaker psychology of my family is to have family take care of the children whenever possible, and because of this little help was needed from outsiders.
3.) Comment on some of the differences in the socialization of infants' basic needs e.g. sleep, feeding and crying.
In some cultures infants basic needs are dealt with very differently than what Americans are used to. The infant may be fed only breast milk in one culture, and goats milk in another. In another culture the baby may always sleep with the parents until they are in their teens, and in another culture this is highly unacceptable. Infant crying is also dealt with differently across cultures, in one culture the baby's every cry is answered and in other cultures only select cries are answered.
4.) Explain what is meant by rites of passage and describe the role they play in adolescent identity.
A rite of passage is a formal event a teen must undergo in order to be seen as an adult by their culture, and hence be treated as an adult. Without some kind of rite of passage ritual there is no clear time when a teen is to be seen as an adult. These rites of passage are looked forward to by teens and they feel good about undergoing them.
5.) Show an understanding of Erikson's psychosocial theory and discuss his psychosocial crises as they apply to each stage of the lifespan.
Each of Erikson's stages are points in the lifespan where a person chooses to go in one direction or the other, these decisions are all connected and influence each other.
*Trust vs. Mistrust: Does the infant learn to trust and depend upon people?
*Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt: Does the child learn to be independent from the parents?
*Initiative vs. Guilt: Does the child take charge of their life?
*Industry vs. Inferiority: Does the young adult make a career for themselves or not?
*Identity vs. Role Confusion: Does the young adult feel as if they are their own successful person?
*Intimacy vs. Isolation: Are they able to be involved with others romantically?
*Generativity vs. Stagnation: Do they choose to have a wonderful full life or not?
*Integrity vs. Despair: Are they happy with the life they have lived so far?