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Module of Organizational Behavior and Sociology

Course Code: 32041306; Level 3; Semester-II

Chapter 03: Social Process and Social Stratification

Socialization
Socialization is a lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values,
norms, customs, behaviors, and social skills necessary for effective participation in society. It is a
fundamental aspect of human development and occurs within various social contexts, including
family, schools, peer groups, media, and broader cultural influences. The primary goal of
socialization is to integrate individuals into the social fabric, shaping their identities and
providing them with the tools needed to function as members of a particular community or
society.

Key elements and characteristics of socialization include:

1. Cultural Transmission:

• Socialization involves the transmission of culture from one generation to the next.
This includes language, beliefs, traditions, and customs.

2. Norms and Values:

• Individuals learn the societal norms (rules of behavior) and values (beliefs about
what is important) that guide social interactions.

3. Role Development:

• Socialization helps individuals understand and adopt various social roles, such as
those associated with gender, occupation, and family roles.

4. Identity Formation:

• Socialization contributes to the development of individual identity, encompassing

self-concept, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.

5. Social Skills:

• Individuals acquire the necessary social skills and behaviors for effective
communication, cooperation, and interaction with others.

6. Agents of Socialization:

• Various agents, including family, peers, schools, media, and religious institutions,
play roles in the socialization process. Each agent contributes to different aspects
of an individual's socialization.

Prepared by: Md. Tariqul Islam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, FBA, PSTU
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7. Lifelong Process:

• Socialization is a continuous and dynamic process that occurs throughout an

individual's life. It adapts to changing social contexts and personal development.

8. Resocialization:

• In certain situations, individuals may undergo resocialization, which involves

learning new norms and values that differ from those learned earlier in life.

Stages of Socialization:

1. Primary Socialization:

• Occurs in early childhood and is often associated with family and close
caregivers.

2. Secondary Socialization:

• Continues throughout adolescence and adulthood, involving other social

institutions like schools, workplaces, and peer groups.

3. Anticipatory Socialization:

• Involves learning and preparing for future roles and responsibilities, such as
entering a new profession or becoming a parent.

Socialization is a crucial aspect of sociology, providing insights into how individuals become
social beings and how societies perpetuate their values and norms across generations. It helps
explain the continuity and stability of cultures while also recognizing the potential for change
and adaptation.

Social Process
Social process refers to the various ways in which individuals and groups interact, communicate,
and influence each other within a society.

Types of Social Processes

1. Cooperation:

• Individuals work together towards common goals, fostering social harmony and
collective achievements.

2. Conflict:

• Struggles for power, resources, or values that may lead to societal changes or
reinforce existing structures.

Prepared by: Md. Tariqul Islam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, FBA, PSTU
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3. Socialization:

• The lifelong process through which individuals acquire cultural norms, values,
and behaviors.

4. Acculturation:

• The process of adopting and integrating the cultural traits of another group.

5. Assimilation:

• The integration of individuals or groups into a dominant culture.

Agents of Socialization
A. Family: Primary agent influencing early socialization, transmitting cultural values.
B. Education: Socialization continues in formal educational settings, shaping attitudes and
behaviors.
C. Peers: Influence from friends and peer groups contributes to the development of social
identity.
D. Media: Mass media plays a significant role in shaping public opinions and societal
norms.

Social stratification
Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society
based on various social factors. This hierarchical structure leads to the unequal distribution of
resources, opportunities, and privileges among different segments of the population. Social
stratification can manifest in various forms, including economic class, social status, and power,
and it influences individuals' life chances, social mobility, and access to social and economic
resources.

Key aspects and characteristics of social stratification include:

1. Hierarchy:

• Social stratification involves the categorization of individuals or groups into

levels or layers based on certain criteria, creating a social hierarchy.

2. Inequality:

• The hierarchical arrangement results in unequal access to resources, opportunities,

and privileges among different strata of society.

3. Social Class:

• Economic factors, such as wealth and income, often play a significant role in
determining an individual's or group's social class within the stratification system.

Prepared by: Md. Tariqul Islam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, FBA, PSTU
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4. Status:

• Social status reflects an individual's or group's prestige, honor, and social standing
in the eyes of others. It is often tied to factors like education, occupation, and
lifestyle.

5. Power:

• Power refers to the ability of individuals or groups to influence or control others,

shaping decision-making processes and societal structures.

6. Ascribed and Achieved Status:

• Social stratification includes both ascribed status (attributes individuals are born
with or acquire involuntarily) and achieved status (attributes individuals acquire
through their efforts and choices).

7. Social Mobility:

• Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move up or down

the social hierarchy. It can be influenced by factors such as education,
employment opportunities, and social connections.

8. Dimensions of Stratification:

• While economic class, status, and power are primary dimensions, other factors
like race, ethnicity, gender, and age can intersect with social stratification, leading
to complex and multifaceted systems.

Theories of Social Stratification:

1. Structural-Functionalism:

• Views social stratification as necessary for social order, with each position serving
a purpose in maintaining stability and cohesion.

2. Conflict Theory:

• Sees social stratification as a result of competition and conflict for resources and
power. Focuses on how the elite maintain their positions at the expense of others.

3. Symbolic Interactionism:

• Emphasizes how individuals' social positions affect their daily interactions, perceptions,
and sense of identity within the stratified system.

Social stratification is a pervasive and persistent feature of human societies, existing in various forms
across cultures and historical periods. It plays a crucial role in shaping social relationships, opportunities,
and patterns of inequality within societies. Understanding social stratification is essential for sociologists
to analyze and address issues related to social justice, inequality, and social mobility.

Prepared by: Md. Tariqul Islam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, FBA, PSTU
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Social mobility
Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move up or down the social
hierarchy within a given society. It reflects changes in an individual's or group's socioeconomic
status, often measured by factors such as education, income, occupation, and wealth. Social
mobility can be upward, downward, or stagnant, and it is a key aspect of understanding the
dynamics of social stratification and opportunities for advancement within a society.

Types of Social Mobility:

1. Vertical Mobility:

• Upward Mobility: Moving to a higher social class or status.

• Downward Mobility: Moving to a lower social class or status.

2. Horizontal Mobility:

• Changing positions or roles within the same social class or status level.

3. Intergenerational Mobility:

• Changes in social class between different generations within a family. It examines

whether children achieve a different social status than their parents.

4. Intragenerational Mobility:

• Changes in social class within an individual's own lifetime. It explores whether an

individual experiences upward or downward mobility during their adult years.

Factors Influencing Social Mobility:

1. Education:

• Access to quality education can significantly impact an individual's opportunities

for upward mobility.

2. Occupation and Employment Opportunities:

• Career choices, job availability, and occupational mobility play a role in social
mobility.

3. Economic Factors:

• Income and wealth disparities contribute to social mobility. Economic policies

and opportunities for economic advancement are crucial factors.

4. Social Networks:

• Connections and social networks can influence access to opportunities,

particularly in certain professions.
Prepared by: Md. Tariqul Islam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, FBA, PSTU
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5. Meritocracy:

• The degree to which a society operates as a meritocracy, where individuals are

rewarded based on their abilities and efforts, can impact social mobility.

6. Structural Barriers:

• Discrimination, systemic inequalities, and structural barriers can impede social

mobility, especially for marginalized groups.

7. Government Policies:

• Social and economic policies, such as welfare programs, taxation, and education
policies, can either facilitate or hinder social mobility.

Patterns of Social Mobility:

1. Open Class System:

• Allows for relatively easy movement between social classes, emphasizing

meritocracy and equal opportunities.

2. Closed Class System:

• Restricts social mobility, with limited opportunities for individuals to move

between social classes.

3. Caste System:

• A form of social stratification where social mobility is highly restricted, and

individuals typically inherit their social status.

Social mobility is an important aspect of social justice, equality, and the overall functioning of a
society. Societies that promote higher levels of social mobility tend to be associated with greater
economic and social well-being. Understanding the factors that facilitate or hinder social
mobility is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and individuals seeking to address issues of
inequality and promote a more equitable society.

Prepared by: Md. Tariqul Islam, Associate Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, FBA, PSTU