This reflection paper examines the concepts of enculturation, socialization, and parenting styles through both a personal and professional lens. Drawing on Matsumoto and Juang's (2023) distinctions between authoritarian and authoritative parenting, the paper explores how these styles mirror broader social dynamics. The author considers how enculturation — the process by which cultural norms and values are absorbed — shapes individual beliefs and behaviors, sometimes leading to uncritical acceptance of harmful norms. The paper concludes by discussing practical applications of these concepts in personal relationships, workplace training, and cross-cultural communication.
The explanation of the differences between an authoritarian and an authoritative parent is particularly striking, as the two terms might easily be mistaken for synonyms. According to Matsumoto and Juang (2023), an authoritarian parent "expects unquestioned obedience and views the child as needing to be controlled," while an authoritative parent "promotes a firm, fair, reasonable, and affectionate parenting style" (p. 15). What is equally interesting is that parenting styles are reflected in the way society operates more broadly. Our society appears to lean authoritarian, operating on the assumption that people need to be controlled. This raises an important question about the interplay between adults, government, and those in positions of authority — and what effect that dynamic has on the process of enculturation.
These topics are personally relevant because parenting and socialization are areas I want to understand more deeply. I have a past I like to reflect on in order to better understand myself, and I want to be prepared for the future when my influence on others around me becomes more significant. As a student of sociology, I am interested in the ways people are shaped by their culture and social environment.
The concepts of enculturation, authoritarianism, and socialization help explain how we develop our beliefs and values. Authoritarianism refers to the tendency to obey authority figures without question — a tendency that can lead to a lack of critical thinking and an uncritical acceptance of authority. Enculturation is the process by which we learn the norms and values of our culture through our family, our education, and our interactions with others. Socialization is the process by which we internalize those cultural norms and values, often by conforming to the expectations of those around us. As a result, even something harmful or corrupt can come to be accepted as normal simply because everyone else appears to go along with it (Ashforth & Anand, 2003). These concepts matter because they help explain why we believe and behave the way we do, and they underscore the importance of critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Authoritarianism is something I want to avoid in my personal life, though I can see where it might have a practical role in certain professional settings — a military context, for example, where there is little time for deliberation or hand-holding. That said, I can foresee how my understanding of enculturation and socialization could benefit both my personal and professional lives in different ways.
In my personal life, I can apply this understanding by recognizing the ways my family and community have shaped my beliefs and values. I can also remain aware of the ongoing ways I am still being socialized — such as when I adopt new traditions or take on new behaviors in response to the environments I move through.
"Using socialization knowledge for workplace training and inclusion"
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