To get started, please take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions
Why did we ask you these questions?
How we see the world today is based on a lifelong process of learning the expected norms and customs of a group or society through social interaction.
Some examples include the things adults told you as child or modeled for you. What you saw on TV and in the movies. Who you saw in text books. What your friends told you.
This is called Socialization.
How we become socialized is a lifelong process...or cycle...with each part reinforcing the others. Watch this video to understand the different levels in Harro's Cycle of Socialization.
Take a few minutes to look at all the parts of the chart below.
Now that you understand the basics of the cycle, let's look at an example to bring it to life.
Marya Hay
Marya Hay is an instructional specialist in the Equity Initiatives Unit. She is a MCPS graduate and daughter of immigrants. Listen below to hear how Marya's experiences and environments shaped her socialization as a young person into adulthood.
Click on the video to hear Marya's story and her personal Cycle of Socialization.
Institutional and Cultural Socialization
Were there institutions outside of school that helped shape who you are?
What did you learn about others' perceptions about the groups you identify with?
What were the images you saw on TV, movie, books and media? Were the groups you identified with portrayed positively, negatively or missing?
Final reflection
What is the importance of knowing this about yourself?
Why is it important as an educator to understand that our beliefs are not always conscious?
Credits:
Created with images by Emily Morter - "Where is the love sung by The Black Eye Peas recreated in a tunnel underpass." • averie woodard - "untitled image" • Amanda Jones - "untitled image" • Jordan Whitfield - "Instagram: @Jord.in" • Francisco Andreotti - "untitled image" • Florian Klauer - "vintage typewriter" • Alex Holyoake - "untitled image" • Sebastián León Prado - "friends" • Trust "Tru" Katsande - "Family Love" • Nadine Shaabana - "untitled image" • Yeshi Kangrang - "reflect through" • Kyle Glenn - "Love Trumps Hate"