Exam 4: Socialization: Becoming Human and Humane

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According to the sociologist George Herbert Mead, the "game stage" is a critical phase in the development of the self during childhood. It follows the earlier "play stage" and is characterized by the child's increasing ability to understand and assume the roles of multiple others simultaneously. This stage is significant in the development of the concept of the "generalized other," which is the understanding of the attitudes, viewpoints, and expectations of society as a whole that a person takes into account in their behavior.

During the game stage, children learn to engage in more complex social interactions and activities that require them to consider the roles and perspectives of several people at once. This is in contrast to the play stage, where a child takes on the role of a significant other, such as a parent or superhero, but does not yet integrate multiple roles at the same time.

An example of the game stage in action would be when a child plays a team sport like soccer. In soccer, the child must understand their role as a player with specific responsibilities (e.g., a defender, midfielder, or forward), but they must also be aware of the roles and expectations of their teammates and opponents. The child must anticipate the actions of others, work cooperatively within a team, follow the rules of the game, and respond to the strategies of the opposing team. This requires the child to take the perspective of the generalized other, as they must consider the norms and expectations of the game, which are understood and shared by all participants.

Through such games, children learn to coordinate their actions with others, recognize the importance of societal rules, and develop a sense of self that incorporates the expectations of the broader community. This is a foundational process for becoming a fully socialized member of society.