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Understanding Resocialization
Resocialization is a central concept in sociology, particularly in the realms of law and criminal justice. Simply put, it refers to the process of learning and adapting to new norms, values, and expectations in society. Today, you will delve into understanding this term and its various aspects, ranging from its definition in sociology to concrete examples in everyday life. You will be guided through the nuances of voluntary and involuntary resocialization, including distinctive examples for each.
Resocialization Definition Sociology
In the broad field of sociology, resocialization refers to the process where old behaviours that were useful in a prior role are removed and new behaviours are learned in anticipation of a future role. This could occur as a part of a life transition, such as retirement, or as an institutional effort to reform an individual, such as within the criminal justice system.
For instance, a convict released from jail after a long sentence has to face a world that has changed significantly during their incarceration. In this case, resocialization could involve learning how to use new technologies, understanding altered societal norms, and getting used to changed public policies.
Involuntary Versus Voluntary Resocialization in Society
Resocialization can occur both voluntarily and involuntarily. Voluntary resocialization happens when an individual willingly adopts new norms or behaviours in order to fit into a new aspect of society. Involuntary resocialization, on the other hand, happens when an individual is forced by circumstances to adapt to new norms or behaviours – often under institutions such as the criminal justice system, military service, or medical treatment centres.
Examples of Voluntary Resocialization
Let's consider the example of a person choosing to shift from a hectic city life to a calm rural life. They will voluntarily adapt to new norms – such as respecting the quiet after sunset, accepting a slower speed of life, and embracing farming or similar occupations. This is a case of voluntary resocialization.
Examples of Involuntary Resocialization
In contrast, an example of involuntary resocialization could be a prisoner adjusting to life in a penitentiary after being sentenced for a crime. The person would have to learn and adapt to rules and regulations that are completely different from those in the outside society – like specific meal times, strict routines, and a controlled social life. This unfamiliar, new order of life isn't chosen willingly, hence it falls under involuntary resocialization.
Resocialization Examples in Everyday Life
Resocialization doesn't just occur in extreme scenarios, it's a regular phenomenon that happens in everyday life as well. For instance, changing jobs, moving to a different location, joining a new school or college, or even embracing a new lifestyle – they all involve degrees of resocialization.
A key aspect of conducing a resocialization process effectively lies in providing the individual with a 'resocialization mentor', who can guide them through the changes. Employers, teachers, coaches and counsellors often play this role, offering support and guidance as the individual navigates new norms and expectations.
Resocialization in the Context of Sociology
When it comes to studying human behaviour and societal norms, sociology lends a wealth of insights. One of these crucial insights revolves around the concept of resocialization. As we delve deeper into the social mechanisms that define our day-to-day life, we'll discover how resocialization plays a distinct role in various contexts and societies.
What is Resocialization in Sociology
Resocialization is a sociological term for the process where individuals are made to abandon their old norms and behaviours and adopt new ones, as they transition into a new phase of life or a completely new social environment. This includes the discard of previous learned social patterns and the embrace of newly inculcated ones.
These shifts are an integral part of human life and can occur in response to major life changes or due to smaller evolutionary shifts in societal norms.
Consider an individual who migrates to a new country. They would have to adapt to the norms, customs, and behaviours that are characteristic of their new home–be it the way they converse, the etiquette they follow, or the cultural norms they respect. This is a classic case of resocialization taking place.
Anticipatory Socialization and Resocialization
In Sociology, the term 'anticipatory socialization' is often juxtaposed with resocialization. It refers to the process of learning and adopting behaviours and norms of a group one wishes to join, even before becoming a full-fledged member.
Anticipatory socialization allows the individual to 'try on' the new norms and behaviours to see how well they fit and to slowly adjust to this new role.
For instance, a university freshman might begin to pick up the habits, attire, and language typical of students at their university, even before classes commence. This is a form of anticipatory socialization, as they learn and adapt the norms of their new social setting in anticipation.
How Resocialization Shapes Personal Identity
The dynamic process of resocialization is a significant driving force in shaping our personal identities. Our behaviours, values, and practices are often a reflection of the social norms we are a part of and the changes we have undergone. Resocialization can thus lead to profound transformations in an individual’s identity. This process can be self-motivated, or it can be a reaction to external factors such as societal change or institutional influence.
It's crucial to note that resocialization doesn't necessarily lead to a complete overhaul of a person’s identity. Instead, it's more about modifying and adapting aspects of identity to align with new social contexts. Regardless, these changes can still have significant repercussions on the individual’s self-concept and how they interact with their surroundings.
So, understanding the distinct influence of resocialization can provide a better understanding of how society shapes individual behaviour and identity.
Resocialization and the Criminal Justice System
The mechanisms of resocialization play a pivotal role within the criminal justice system, aiming to reform individuals by helping them discard old, unlawful behaviours and learn new, socially acceptable ones. This transformative process is crucial in ensuring successful reintegration into society post-incarceration, often reducing recidivism rates, while also promoting a safer and more harmonious community.
Resocialization in Criminal Justice
In the context of criminal justice, resocialization primarily refers to the process through which individuals involved with crime—especially those serving prison sentences—are made to unlearn criminal behaviours while being equipped with effective coping mechanisms, interpersonal skills, and socially acceptable behaviours. The objective is to transition them into law-abiding, active, and productive members of society.
This systemic effort towards resocialization within the criminal justice system is supported by various strategies such as:
- Rehabilitation programs addressing drug abuse, alcoholism, and other underlying causes of criminal behaviour
- Education and vocational training providing inmates with practical skills for employment post-release
- Psychological counselling to help individuals cope with mental health issues, traumatic experiences, and societal stigmas
- Mentoring and life coaching initiatives assisting in the transition from prision to a civilian life
One instance of such resocialization within the criminal justice system could be observed in the handling of juvenile offenders. Here, priority is often given to rehabilitative measures, including counselling sessions, educational programs, and family intervention strategies. Strict disciplinary actions are viewed as a last resort. The ultimate goal is to steer young offenders away from future criminal activities, helping them learn about the norms, behaviours and responsibilities necessary for positive societal involvement.
Legal Frameworks for Resocialization in the UK
In the UK, there are specific legal frameworks pushing the agenda of resocialization within the criminal justice system. The Prison Act 1952 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 are amongst the key legal precedents guiding such efforts. Further, the emphasis on rehabilitation and resocialization is prominent in the operation and policies of Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
| Prison Act 1952 | Establishes the duties of prison officers, including the maintenance of discipline and public protection while also ensuring a focus on inmate reform and rehabilitation |
| Criminal Justice Act 2003 | Emphasises rehabilitation as an integral aim of the sentencing policy. It gives judges the discretion to incorporate rehabilitative measures in their sentencing decisions |
| Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) | Oversees corrections facilities and probation services in England and Wales, ensuring the provision of rehabilitation programmes and support needed to help offenders turn their lives around |
The Role of The Legal System in Promoting Resocialization
The legal system plays a massive role in facilitating resocialization, from imposing rehabilitative sentences to supporting social service agencies in their efforts to reintegrate offenders into society.
Specific ways in which the legal system promotes resocialization include:
- Legally mandated rehabilitation programs for offenders with substance abuse issues
- Community service sentences that help the offender connect with society in a positive manner
- Probation periods where offenders live under supervision and need to follow certain rules and regulations
- Parole schemes providing conditional early release to inmates willing to live in conformity with the law
Interestingly, the legal system not only implements resocialization via various penalties, provisions, and programs, but it also helps create the social environments necessary for resocialization to occur. In other words, the legal system, through its interactions with other societal sectors, helps set the norms, expectations, and behaviours that those engaging with the criminal justice system must eventually learn and accept. It’s a cyclical phenomenon where the system not only triggers resocialization, but also helps sustain it.
Resocialization - Key takeaways
- Resocialization is a process in sociology which entails learning and adapting to new norms, values, and expectations in society. It involves the removal of old behaviours that were useful in a prior role and adopting new behaviours in anticipation of a future role.
- Resocialization can occur both voluntarily and involuntarily. Voluntary resocialization happens when an individual willingly adopts new norms, whereas involuntary resocialization occurs when an individual is forced by circumstances to adapt to new norms. This often happens under institutions such as the criminal justice system, military service, or medical treatment centres.
- An instance of resocialization in the criminal justice system is a convict needing to learn new societal norms, understanding changed public policies and adapting to new technologies after a long sentence. A similar transition can be seen in someone shifting from a hectic city life to a calm rural life, an example of voluntary resocialization.
- Anticipatory socialization is a process of adopting behaviours and norms of a group before becoming a full-fledged member, often seen as a preparatory stage before resocialization.
- In the context of law, resocialization plays a pivotal role within the criminal justice system, aiming to reform individuals to become law-abiding citizens. Legal frameworks like the Prison Act 1952 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 in the UK guide such efforts. These processes and regulations demonstrate how laws and regulations can trigger and sustain resocialization.
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