UCSP Module: Enculturation/Socialization
Grade Level: Grade 11
Subject: Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics (UCSP)
Topics:
Identity Formation (Identities, Disciplines, and Aspirations)
Norms and Values
Statuses and Roles (e.g., Age, Gender)
Module Objectives
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Explain the process of identity formation, including influences of family,
peers, and cultural expectations.
2. Understand norms and values and how they guide individual and group
behavior in society.
3. Recognize different statuses and roles, such as age and gender, and how
they shape social interactions.
Pre-Test
Instructions: Answer the following questions to gauge your initial understanding of
the topics.
1. Which of the following best describes enculturation?
a. Learning from books only
b. Adapting to cultural norms and practices
c. Developing an independent identity
d. Rejecting societal norms
2. What are norms?
a. Roles assigned to individuals based on status
b. Unwritten rules guiding behavior in society
c. Personal preferences or interests
d. Laws enforced by governments
3. In identity formation, which of these is most likely an influence?
a. An individual’s family and culture
b. Random life events
c. Television commercials
d. Language barriers
4. Which status is usually assigned by society based on characteristics
like age and gender?
a. Personal role
b. Ascribed status
c. Achieved status
d. Social norm
Lesson Content
1. Enculturation and Socialization
Enculturation is the process by which individuals learn and adopt the values,
norms, and practices of their culture. This usually happens through family, friends,
and society.
Socialization is similar, where we learn to interact within society by adopting
behaviors and norms. Key agents of socialization include family, school, peers, and
media.
2. Identity Formation
Identity formation is influenced by:
Family: Our first source of cultural norms and values.
Peers: Friends often influence hobbies, interests, and even aspirations.
Societal Expectations: Cultural beliefs and societal standards often guide
how people define success or failure.
Activity 1:
Think about how your identity has been shaped by people around you. Write a short
paragraph describing a family tradition or practice that has influenced who you are
today.
3. Norms and Values
Norms are unwritten rules that guide acceptable behavior in society. There are
three main types:
Folkways: Everyday norms (e.g., saying “thank you”).
Mores: Norms with moral significance (e.g., honesty).
Laws: Official rules that are legally enforced.
Values are shared beliefs about what is good or desirable. For example, many
societies value honesty, hard work, and respect for elders.
Activity 2:
List three norms in your family or community and explain why they are important.
Then, choose one value that you consider essential and describe how it impacts
your behavior.
4. Statuses and Roles
Status refers to a position a person holds in society, which can be:
Ascribed Status: A status assigned at birth, such as age, gender, or family
background.
Achieved Status: A status earned or chosen, such as being a student,
athlete, or professional.
Role is the behavior expected of someone with a particular status. For instance:
A student’s role includes attending classes and studying.
A sibling’s role might involve showing support and care.
Activity 3:
Identify two statuses you hold (one ascribed and one achieved) and describe the
roles that come with each.
5. Practical Application: Personal Reflection on Norms and Values
Reflect on how norms and values have shaped your aspirations or personal
discipline. Think about how they influence your choices, whether in school, with
friends, or within the community.
Activity 4:
Write a short reflection on a personal goal or aspiration. Describe how norms and
values around you have helped or challenged you in working toward this goal.
Post-Test
Instructions: Answer the following questions to assess your understanding of the
module.
1. Enculturation and socialization are processes that help individuals:
a. Discard societal norms
b. Adapt to cultural norms and practices
c. Create entirely new beliefs
d. Avoid interacting with others
2. Which of the following is an example of an ascribed status?
a. Athlete
b. Elder sibling
c. Teacher
d. Volunteer
3. Norms differ from values because norms:
a. Are always written laws
b. Are guidelines for behavior, while values are personal beliefs
c. Only apply to family members
d. Are unimportant in identity formation
4. A role associated with being a student would likely include:
a. Supervising younger students
b. Attending school and studying
c. Setting laws
d. Leading a family gathering
5. Why are values important in society?
a. They dictate every action
b. They provide a framework for what is considered good or important
c. They are optional for individual development
d. They replace norms in guiding behavior
Reflection Activity
Write a one-paragraph reflection summarizing what you learned about the
importance of enculturation and socialization in shaping your identity. Include
examples from the module, such as norms or roles, that impact your interactions
with others.
