Towards a Theory of Situational Socialization: Beyond Field Effects and Moments and Their Men

• In Event: 352 - Theory Section Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 07. Social Behavior and Social Interaction

Abstract

This article advances a theory of situational socialization that takes the biographical and institutional patterning of individuals’ situational exposure as a starting point. What are the mechanisms by which actors are socialized in systematically differentiated ways throughout their lifetime? I highlight three key mechanisms: (1) the biographical path-dependency of situational exposure; (2) the institutional structuring of situations; and (3) individuals’ self-selection into situations. This theory highlights the micro-sociological underpinnings of socialization, while it also recognizes the structurally patterned ways that shape the situations that individuals confront. I draw on ethnographic data on dumpster divers in New York City to show how a theory of situational socialization can help us explain why people turn to this subculture and what mechanisms shape the process of becoming a dumpster diver. I conclude that a theory of situational socialization can be used to enrich our understanding of the structural determinants of socialization trajectories, while it also leaves room for reflexive work of the actor. My socialization theory improves on both Bourdieu’s theory of habitus as a particularly durable field effect, by indicating situational mechanisms, and on interactionism, by specifying some of the processes behind what Goffman called the ‘loose coupling’ between interactions and structure. Future studies could apply this theory to unpack processes of occupational socialization, entry into ‘ideocultures’ etc.

Author

• Sharon Cornelissen, Princeton University