SOCS 185 Week 2 Assignment 1 How Socialization can affect Lifestyle
Student Name
Chamberlain University
SOCS-185 Culture and Society
Prof. Name
Date
Week 2: Sociological Imagination and Socialization
Is This a Personal Problem for Arty?
This situation should not be viewed solely as a personal problem for Arty. In fact, Arty’s experience reflects a larger societal issue that impacts millions of individuals, especially college students across the United States. When someone like Arty takes out a student loan, it doesn’t just impact their individual financial future—it contributes to a growing economic concern nationally. The burden of student loans is a structural issue tied to educational access and economic inequality.
In recent years, student debt has reached alarming levels. During the 2018–2019 academic year, private colleges charged an average of $35,830 annually, while public institutions averaged $10,230 for in-state tuition (Bustamante, 2019). When considering additional costs such as room, textbooks, and other essential supplies, the price of education increases significantly. For instance, the total cost of attending a 4-year public university, including room and board, averages around $21,370 per year (Bustamante, 2019).
For students from middle-income families, such costs are often unaffordable without financial aid or loans, leading many to reconsider their educational paths. Options such as community college or taking a gap year to work and save money are often pursued. However, this financial strain can cause emotional distress and uncertainty, especially for young adults who are simply trying to secure a better future.
Table 1: Average College Costs (2018–2019)
| Type of Institution | Average Annual Tuition | Total Cost (Including Room & Board) |
|---|---|---|
| Private College | $35,830 | Varies significantly |
| Public College | $10,230 | $21,370 |
Source: Bustamante (2019)
What Are the Forces Affecting Arty’s Struggle?
Several societal forces contribute to Arty’s financial and emotional challenges. Among these are the economic structure, education policies, and social expectations. One of the more invisible yet powerful forces at play is the process of socialization, which shapes an individual’s attitudes and behaviors from childhood through adulthood.
Primary and Secondary Socialization
Sociologists categorize socialization into two broad phases: primary socialization and secondary socialization.
Primary socialization is the foundational stage in a person’s life. It refers to the early learning that occurs within the family. This is when children first acquire the norms, values, and behaviors necessary to function in society. According to Kendall (2018), primary socialization is crucial because it is where children first learn how to differentiate between right and wrong. Parents play a pivotal role by instilling moral understanding and acceptable conduct.
Secondary socialization, on the other hand, occurs outside the home and continues throughout one’s life. It involves institutions such as schools, religious organizations, peer groups, and workplaces. Kendall (2018) describes it as the process that allows individuals to function in broader societal contexts. Through this, individuals learn how to collaborate, communicate, and navigate group dynamics—skills that are essential for future roles and societal participation.
Table 2: Comparison of Primary and Secondary Socialization
| Type of Socialization | Setting | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Socialization | Home/Family | Early life learning—moral values, basic behavior, emotional development |
| Secondary Socialization | Schools, peers | Lifelong process—group interaction, communication, societal expectations |
Source: Kendall (2018)
SOCS 185 Week 2 Assignment 1 How Socialization can affect Lifestyle
What is Anticipatory Socialization?
Anticipatory socialization involves preparing for future social roles by adopting the values and norms of a group one wishes to join. This type of learning often occurs when individuals plan for significant transitions—such as entering college, starting a job, or joining a specific profession (Kendall, 2018). In Arty’s case, the stress around college preparation and the financial burden of student loans may reflect this process. He is likely trying to align himself with the academic and professional world, yet faces obstacles that are economic and systemic.
What is Resocialization?
Resocialization refers to the process of discarding old behaviors and norms in favor of new ones. This usually happens when individuals undergo a major life change that requires them to learn and internalize new behaviors (Kendall, 2018). Examples include entering the military, moving into a new culture, or recovering from a correctional facility. It is a dynamic combination of unlearning and relearning. For students like Arty, transitioning from high school to college may require this resocialization, especially as they adapt to new academic expectations and responsibilities.
How Do These Socialization Processes Affect Arty?
These different stages and forms of socialization have a deep influence on how individuals perceive and navigate societal challenges. Arty’s concerns about student debt are not isolated; they are shaped by his social background, expectations formed during early life, and the pressures imposed by secondary institutions like schools and media.
Anticipatory socialization might have encouraged Arty to pursue higher education to meet societal standards of success. However, the burden of financial insecurity due to high tuition and living expenses reflects the inequality embedded in the system. If these financial barriers continue, they may lead to a need for resocialization, where Arty must adjust his expectations or career paths entirely.
Final Thoughts
The struggles Arty faces are emblematic of broader structural challenges in society. Understanding the processes of primary, secondary, anticipatory, and resocialization helps illuminate the ways in which individuals are molded by and respond to social forces. Arty’s situation is not just personal—it’s a reflection of systemic issues around education, economy, and inequality that demand collective attention.
References
Bustamante, J. (2019, June 7). Average Cost of College [2020]: Annual Tuition Expenses. Retrieved from https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college/
SOCS 185 Week 2 Assignment 1 How Socialization can affect Lifestyle
Kendall, D. (2018). Sociology in our times: The essentials (11th ed.). Boston: Cengage Learning.