“An upper-class child may learn the “facts of life” at an age when a lower-class child has mastered the rudiments of abortion technique. Or, an upper-class child may experience his first stirrings of patriotic emotion about the time his lower-class contemporary first experiences hatred of the police and everything they stand for.” 1 This quotation symbolizes the subject of my essay: I will delve into the term of Berger/Luckmann’s Primary Socialization in “The social construction of reality”. I want to compare their idea/perception of the ideal primary socialization of a child within the society with the current situation of street children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is important to know a little bit about the historical background of Brazil to understand why the social levels differ so greatly. I will also try to explain possible consequences and perspectives of these children. I chose this subject because I grew up in Rio de Janeiro. I learned to love this country, but I could also recognize the immense injustice rampant in this country. Especially in my situation, as a person who comes from a “good" and safe family, I asked myself since I was a little child: Why do I have so much and those children nothing? [...]
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Resume / Abstract of “The Social Construction of Reality”
3. Primary Socialization
4. Secondary Socialization
5. Brazil in the past or Development of current situation of street children
6. Rio de Janeiro today
7. Street Children in Rio de Janeiro
8. Reasons for an unsuccessful primary socialization of potential street children
9. Conclusion
10. Bibliography
Objectives & Core Themes
This essay explores the sociological concept of primary socialization as defined by Berger and Luckmann, specifically applying it to the reality of street children in Rio de Janeiro. The central research question examines how extreme social inequality and environmental factors influence the primary socialization process and whether these developmental impacts can be mitigated.
- Theoretical analysis of Berger and Luckmann’s "The Social Construction of Reality."
- Historical socio-economic context of Brazil and the emergence of street children.
- Defining the living conditions, risks, and coping mechanisms of street children in Rio.
- Evaluation of the impact of poverty on primary socialization and identity formation.
- Potential pathways for societal change and social integration.
Excerpt from the Book
Excursus: Life in “Favelas”
The reality inside the slums in Brazil is a very different one from the “normal” reality. It has its own rules- it is totally clear who rules and who obediences. It is a question of survival: either you accept it or you die. The so called “traficantes” are the big bosses of drug traffic (drugdealers); they are in possession of the whole favela. Someone who does not stand to their rules can be punished merciless in public. But these implemented rules have the idea of maintaining the order in the communes, i.e. they warn the residents not to throw waste on the streets. The interesting point is that they really feel as the rescuers and helpers of “their” poor people (a substitute for governor). Due to the fortune they earn with drug traffic they better the situation by building schools or hospitals. But whatever one (especially from outside the favelas) intends to build or do he has to ask them for permission first. The favela- inhabitants don’t see them as a threat- in contrast to the police. The problem is the constant war between the drugdealers, protected and hidden between the houses and the police. Children who grow in this environment not only are very often frightened by gunshots but start at an age of about 10 years to work in this branch.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author introduces the research topic by framing the disparity between social classes and states the intention to analyze street children through the lens of Berger and Luckmann’s theory.
2. Resume / Abstract of “The Social Construction of Reality”: This chapter summarizes core sociological concepts, focusing on how human reality is socially constructed through language, typification, and institutionalization.
3. Primary Socialization: This section explains how individuals become members of society by internalizing the roles and attitudes of specific others during their initial development.
4. Secondary Socialization: The chapter describes the process of internalizing new, more anonymous societal roles following the primary phase, emphasizing the necessity of continuous legitimation.
5. Brazil in the past or Development of current situation of street children: An overview of Brazil’s historical evolution, from colonial slavery to modern socio-economic shifts that exacerbated poverty and displacement.
6. Rio de Janeiro today: This chapter highlights the extreme wealth gap and socio-economic challenges within the metropolis using statistical data and local examples.
7. Street Children in Rio de Janeiro: A detailed look at the definitions, categories, and multifaceted reasons why children end up on the streets, including abuse and systemic violence.
8. Reasons for an unsuccessful primary socialization of potential street children: An analysis of how poverty and lack of education disrupt the linguistic and emotional internalization required for healthy development.
9. Conclusion: The author synthesizes the theoretical and practical findings, suggesting that societal change is necessary to break the cycle of ineffective primary socialization.
10. Bibliography: A list of academic and official sources used to support the research.
Keywords
Primary Socialization, Secondary Socialization, Street Children, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Berger and Luckmann, Social Construction, Poverty, Favela, Inequality, Identity, Sociology, Childhood, Socialization Process, Marginalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay investigates the sociological concept of primary socialization as established by Berger and Luckmann and contrasts this theoretical framework with the lived experience of street children in Rio de Janeiro.
What are the central themes covered in the text?
Key themes include the social construction of reality, the historical background of inequality in Brazil, the definition and daily survival of street children, and the psychological impact of poverty on early development.
What is the core objective of the research?
The goal is to understand how the environment of poverty prevents a "successful" primary socialization and to explore how, according to sociological theory, these children adapt to their harsh realities.
Which scientific method is used?
The essay utilizes a literature-based theoretical analysis, combining sociological frameworks with historical and socio-economic data regarding Brazilian urban life.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body moves from theoretical definitions of socialization to specific historical and geographical context, ultimately analyzing the causes and consequences of children living on the streets.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Core keywords include Primary Socialization, Street Children, Inequality, Social Construction of Reality, and Rio de Janeiro.
How does the author define a "street child"?
The author categorizes street children into two groups: those who live on the street with no family contact and those who work on the street but maintain contact with their family.
What role do the "favelas" play in this study?
The "favelas" are presented as distinct social environments with their own internal rules, often managed by drug traffickers rather than the state, which deeply influences the socialization of children living there.
What does the author conclude regarding the future of these children?
The author remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that because socialization is a lifelong, incomplete process, institutional and societal reforms could potentially improve the outcomes for these children.
- Quote paper
- Nina Buschle (Author), 2005, Primary Socialization with street children in Rio de Janeiro , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/71061
