Question

How has your sense of your ability to succeed in college been influenced by the feedback you have processed from those around you (particularly teachers, peers, and family members)?

2. Socialization occurs throughout the life cycle. Into what role have you been socialized most recently? Who were the primary agents in this socialization process? Did you find the process relatively easy or difficult? Why?

3. Sociological studies have shown that middle-class and working-class parents tend to socialize their children differently. Explain the differences and describe how they relate to how you were socialized by your family of origin.

Answer 1

The sense of ability to succeed that arises from feedback has always more to do with how an individual perceives the feedback, rather than the content and nature of the feedback. In my case, I took grades assigned to me on assignments and tests as objective feedback of my academic performance. They have cumulatively sent across an implicit message - that I will not be able to succeed in college. It is an understood notion that one has to get excellent and near perfect grades in school in order to get admitted to and do well in a prestigious college. This notion has been echoed by my teachers and parents as well.

However, as I stated earlier, how this feedback was perceived was of more Importance. My peers and myself never took these grades very seriously. In fact, we had several role models (like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg) who were classic examples of college dropouts who ultimately became billionaires. How my performance was assessed by my peers assumed supreme importance because I felt that they were not only more in sync with my needs, but also understood the world from my perspective.

I think ultimately how this has affected my sense of ability to succeed in college is quite mixed and context dependent. I am often plagued with self doubt, yet there are also many moments of confidence and positive expectations.

Please post the other questions separately.