Outline the key components of sociologist George Herbert Mead's role-taking theory and explain its contribution to our understanding of the socialization process
What will be an ideal response?
According to Mead, role-taking is the process by which a person mentally assumes the
role of another person or group in order to understand the world from that person's or
group's point of view. Role-taking often occurs through play and games, as children try
out different roles (such as being mommy, daddy, doctor, or teacher) and gain an
appreciation of them. First, people come to take the role of the other (role-taking). By
taking the roles of others, the individual hopes to ascertain the intention or direction of
the acts of others. Then the person begins to construct his or her own roles (role-
making) and to anticipate other individuals' responses. Finally, the person assumes her
or his particular roles (role-playing).
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Sociologists are required to use all eight steps of the research model provided in the text
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Which of the following is a reason given by female students to avoid relationships?
a. They want to delay sex until marriage. b. Relationships take time away from their studies. c. They have boyfriends back in their hometowns. d. None of the above
Which of the following defines the feminist standpoint?
a) An oppressed group is the best group to speak on their suppression. b) Feminists approach scientific research from their standpoint. c) Women need non-oppressed groups to tell their story for them. d) Research done by feminists often is related to victimization.
Many traditional men view a wife's earning more than they do as a a. treat. b. sin
c. threat. d. benefit.