★ SOCIALIZATION PRACTICES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES :-
You know that various cultures, and subcultures, differ with respect to the specific behaviours that are considered as appropriate in society. Members of the society learn those social rules, as well as how far the code may be stretched. In this context, socialization may be defined as the learning of skills and knowledge required for effective participation in the society.
Cultural socialization refers to the manner by which parents address ethnic and racial issues within the family, mainly how parents transfer and communicate the cultural values, beliefs, customs, and behaviours to the child. It also depends on the internalization of cultural norms and values and acquisition of skills by the child to be a functional member in a multicultural society.
One of the most important factors that shape the personality of an individual is the process of socialization s/he undergoes through accepting or rejecting values, beliefs and attitudes. Socialization is a continuous process of acquiring norms, values and behaviours.
This process begins when we grow up, when the influences around us shape our behaviour as to what is acceptable and what is taboo within our culture. For example, a young man from Texas might be instructed in the culturally proper way to greet someone. First you remove your hat, then you look them in the eye, extend out your right hand and say ‘Hello, ma’am, it’s nice to meet you.’ Now let’s say that years later this cowboy gets a job in Japan, where they avoid eye contact and physical contact in their greetings. He will have to go through the process of socialization to adapt to this new environment.
Mode of greeting is different in various parts of our country. A child born in a Sikh family will learn to say “ Sat Shri Akal”, in a Hindu family s/he will join his/her hands and say,”Namaste” and in a Muslim family s/he will say “Aadaab or As-salamu alaykum”. Our food habits, dressing styles, celebration of various festivals all are determined by our socialization process.
Check Your Progress 2
Notes: (a) Write your answers in the space given below.
(b) Compare your answers with the one given at the end of the unit.
i) Explain with some examples how socialization process happens in different cultures.
ii) Why do people in different cultures have different social norms?
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