Why Am I Like This

What am I like this?

Objective:

You will critically examine the processes of socialization that have influenced your

development and identity. You will reflect on the agents of socialization (family, peers,

education, media, etc.) and analyze how these influences have shaped your beliefs,

behaviors, and sense of self.

Assignment Guidelines:

1. Introduction:

o Begin with a brief overview of socialization, defining the concept and its

importance in shaping individuals.

o State the purpose of the paper: to analyze the factors and experiences that

have contributed to your personal identity and explain why you are the

way you are.

2. Body:

o A. Agents of Socialization:

Family: Reflect on the role your family has played in your

socialization. Consider values, traditions, parenting styles, and

familial expectations. How have these shaped your personality,

beliefs, and behaviors?

Peers: Discuss how your friendships and peer groups have

influenced you. Think about peer pressure, group norms, and the

social dynamics within your friendships. How have these

relationships affected your identity?

Education: Analyze the impact of your educational experiences,

including the influence of teachers, the school environment, and

academic expectations. How has education shaped your worldview,

aspirations, and sense of self?

Media: Consider the role of media (social media, television, music,

etc.) in your socialization. How has media exposure influenced your

perceptions, interests, and attitudes?

Other Influences: Include any other significant agents of

socialization that have impacted you, such as religion, work, or

community involvement.

o B. Critical Analysis:

Identify specific experiences or events that were particularly

formative in your socialization. How did these experiences reinforce

or challenge the norms and values you were exposed to?

Discuss any conflicts or contradictions in your socialization. For

example, how have you navigated conflicting values between

different agents of socialization (e.g., family vs. peers)? Reflect on the concept of “resocialization.” Have there been

instances where you had to adapt to new norms or values that

differed from those you were originally socialized into?

3. Conclusion:

o Summarize the key points discussed in the paper.

o Reflect on how your socialization continues to influence your current

identity and behavior. Consider how ongoing socialization may shape your

future self.

o Conclude with a personal statement on the significance of understanding

socialization in the context of personal development and identity

formation.

Paper Requirements:

Length: 3-5 pages, double-spaced

Format: Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins

Grading Criteria:

Depth of Analysis: How well do you examine the influences of socialization on

your identity? Are you able to critically analyze these influences?

Personal Reflection: How deeply do you reflect on your experiences and how

they have shaped who you are?

Use of Sociological Concepts: How effectively do you integrate sociological

theories and concepts into your analysis?

Organization and Clarity: Is the paper well-organized, with clear arguments

and coherent structure?

Writing Quality: Is the writing clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors?

Are the citations properly formatted?