Socialization in Our World

Socialization occurs when individuals gain behaviours or beliefs of their general culture (Arnett, 2013). With socialization, the ability to become part of the social norm which is called self-regulation, and also enter roles in the community such as becoming a cashier at the grocery store (role preparation), is common (Arnett, 2013). With socialization it is known to find sources of meaning, which is the key idea of what it is to actually be lived (Arnett, 2013). Some may look at this “what is the purpose of life”. Broad socialization is the journey through which an individualistic culture will learn individualism (Arnett, 2013). This culture may learn values, ways of which to be unique and also self-expression (Arnett, 2013). Broad socialization is a Westernized culture, which allows individuals to grow into themselves in different areas such as work, school, and relationships (Arnett, 2013). On the other hand, narrow socialization is a culture that practices collectivism, which learns obedience, conformity, which is generally Eastern culture (Arnett, 2013). In collectivist cultures interdependence is practiced, which staying closely connected to family and culture and progressing as a whole opposed to growing individually (Arnett, 2013). To compare individualistic and collectivistic cultures, they may coevolve. (Arnett, 2013). Research has found that there are characteristics of both cultures that resemble one another (Arnett, 2013).

For the first comparison, Eastern cultures do correspond to individualism, as it is affected by the Western culture through globalization (Arnett, 2013). Second, both individualistic and collectivist cultures have similar traits, for example, some individuals who are part of an individualistic culture may have collectivist traits, as some individuals in a collectivist culture may have individualistic traits (Arnett, 2013). Lastly, because an individual is part of one culture, does not mean that their actions, behaviours or beliefs are solely guided towards that culture. Some individuals may have a combination of both cultures (Arnett, 2013). For example, an individual may be independent and go to work during the day and take after the individualist culture but come home and tend to their family’s needs and take part of the collectivist culture. To contrast individualistic an collectivist cultures, focusing on Eastern cultures such as the countries China, Japan, and Korea, and Western cultures such as the United states of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, there are many differences (Arnett, 2013). Individualism in Western cultures is stemmed from the development of self and accomplishing self-tasks that result in personal gratification and achievement (Arnett, 2013). While collectivist cultures are focused on the culture as a whole and conforming to the whole culture (Arnett, 2013). Cultures are known to have a certain capacity on development (Arnett, 2013). Individualism is focused on well-being of self while collectivism is focused on the well-being of the family and community (Arnett, 2013). Collectivist cultures tend to be less economically stable, which is why the culture is strict in demanding obedience as the family needs the children to work to sustain life (Arnett, 2013).

Individuals in each culture’s beliefs may vary based on what they believe, as not everyone has the same interests (Arnett, 2013). Broad socialization, focusing on individualism may conclude in increased rates of loneliness, social issues and a variety of disorders (Arnett, 2013). With narrow socialization, focusing on collectivism, individuals are working closely with their families and may be very dedicated to their culture, but they may lose a sense of self and their own uniqueness as an individual (Arnett, 2013). Both collectivism and individualism have their own set of advantages and disadvantages (Arnett, 2013). In Westernized countries, the transition from adolescence to adulthood depends on the ability of the person to take ownership on responsibility and efficient decision making (Arnett, 2013). For example, an individual being able to make choices regarding future career plans and life choices may play a factor in the transition to adulthood. Since in Eastern cultures interdependence is cherished, an adolescent transitioning to adulthood is based on the timing of marriage, and when they can care for their family (Arnett, 2013). In some cultures, manhood is an aspect of life that is to be achieved (Arnett, 2013). Girls are different with their transition to womanhood since it may be physiologically determined for them (Arnett, 2013). Boys have more pressure when developing into manhood, as they have to take on the role of providing for a family, and being able to manage many responsibilities, such as protecting the family and also ability to procreate (Arnett, 2013).

In traditional cultures, gender socialization occurs in young girls as they work with their mothers doing the same work and grow to take care of their families (Arnett, 2013). Boys in traditional cultures will learn to provide for their families, for example hunting or other tasks such as taking care and protecting their family (Arnett, 2013 When it comes to individualism and collectivism, Canada has many traits of both. Many people in Canadian culture are individualists as they are working, studying, creating goals for themselves, and finding a sense of personal achievement. Also, Canada shows some level of collectivism as Canada very multicultural and many families work together and strive together as they practice collectivism culture. An example of this is when we see families that own a business or restaurant and they all work in the same place. Some of these individuals do not go to school and they work with their families. Canada seems to be more individualistic overall but does have some components of collectivism.