Effects of Social Distancing on Society's Socialization Skills during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Principals of Sociology SOSC102 Professor, M. Navarro Jamila Stokes 8/13/2020

Essential and Topical Question Socialization-The Effects of Social Distancing in Society How has Social Distancing affect Societies Socialization Skills during this Covid-19 Pandemic?

Introduction This presentation would highlight how socialization and social distancing has a counter reaction on society. Socializing is broadly transforming an individual into a social being, instilling gradually different ways of thinking, feeling and then acting. All these things are accomplished through a psychosocial process of transmission, but also by assimilating attitudes, values, concepts or models specific to a group or community, for the formation, adaptation and social integration of a person. People live side by side with each other as human individuals and not as simple objects, and society does not appear as a mere sum of the individuals that make it up, but as an organic whole of the individual components. ( chiopu, 1995: 83). There are three primary goals of socialization the first teaches impulse control and help individuals develop a conscience. Second socialization teaches individuals how to prepare for and perform social roles, occupational roles, gender roles, etc. Social distancing or physical distancing which suppresses our human and evolutionary hard-wired impulse for connection calls for individuals to keep at least six feet apart from others when outside of your home when outdoors and indoors means no hanging out with friends unless masked, visiting grandparents, group counseling or support groups, parties, etc. Now social distancing has a reverse effect on how people socialize and the mental effects that are enhance of those who needs to be socialized such as the elderly, and the mentally challenged. Social distancing for those who are not use to it have enhanced domestic violence in some relationships and child abuse in others.

Socialization Socializing during the pandemic is something that we can still do as a community once all health guidelines are followed. Having gathering and parties at a reduced amount or capacity would be one of the ways for people who are socially inclined to not be deprived from that comfort. Also, wearing mask and making sure there are sanitation stations that guest could use who you are socializing with as well helps to make socializing with friends healthier giving them a sense that you care about them and their health. So socialization is not a complete lost within society it just about doing it safely once people understand the severity of the pandemic and how it can affect so many on a larger scale when social distancing is not done properly and guidelines for keep yourself an others are not followed. Humans are social butterflies and are hard-wired to crave touch and interaction therefore, longing to go out to eat at restaurant, a friend's house, and recreational parks are important. Other ways to socialize would be virtual socializing attending doctor visit and group counseling sessions while social distancing in order to help reduce negative consequences or risky behaviors that may arise during social distancing. Teaching people how to see their love safely rather than telling them to not socialize at which our human nature allows for society to not feel so deprived.

The importance of Socialization Children use schools as a main source of communication as well as, education. Children meet and play with peers and can build on their social abilities. They share their thoughts and ideas, they compete, and compare as well as share things from their cultures and home life. My seven-year son enjoyed learning from his Spanish speaking friends, he often tried to speak their language and insisted that he knew how to. Because of his social interaction with another culture, was able to share his island culture with kids who has encouraged him to want to speak and learn another language. The importance of socialization stems for children into adulthood; people who are not well socialized have trouble with employment, team activities, and functioning in society. For some adults, working is their only means of socialization being able to communicate with co-workers, clients, customers, and some time having an occasional happy hours to unwind from their day. Not having access to some of these social outlets has cause many individuals to recede into themselves for social comfort. Social media has now become a key social outlet for many that has also brought danger for our youngsters which has let to so many predators prowling on our youths and those who are socially awkward on the internet.

The Effects of Social Distancing in Society Social Distancing has led to heightened feelings of anxiety and depression amongst our children and adults. Social distancing has put space between people as well as children it has prevented them from being able to have fun with friends, socialize, and spend time with each other in proximity. For children it has affected how they play outside, ride their bikes or scooter with friends and has put a whole new meaning to fun and socialization. I recently moved into a new neighborhood that finally has kids my sons age that he is able to play with. Due to Covid-19, I have allowed him to socialize and play outside with them as he likes because I don t want him to get sick which would affect me because I have a compromised immune system. Though he understands the danger of Covid-19 he still does not understand why he can not play with other kids at this time; this is mainly because at this age socialization is a key part of is personality which helps to build his character and social skills.

Social Distancing and Technology We live in an age of technology which has made normal socialization of people become more virtual as well as technical. Before social distancing, many families where already distanced due to technology, in homes families would text each other just to communicate if they did not feel like shouting across the room of having to leave the comfort of their rooms of beds to communicate; therefore. Communication and socialization was already being strained for many people. Computers in the rooms of kids made many of them isolated within this technology age. Now that social distancing is a requirement during this pandemic there is now more virtual communication where many of our kids has been forced to spend more time on social media, Zoom, Facebook. Twitter and other social media outlets in order to continue socialization or communication with friends, family counselors and the outside world. These virtual outlets has also left out children vulnerable to the dangers of social media as well. Many of our children who seek that communication and longing to belong has a bigger chance of meeting predators who are willing to befriend them prey on the fears, anxiety and depression. Because of our natural need for socialization this is a pretty scary era and time for society and our children who are not able to social with friends and families while social distancing.

The Mental Impact of Social Distancing in Society Being alone due to social distancing is a threat to public health, the economy, and society. People who are lonely tends to get ill or experience cognitive decline and die especially in the elderly because of the lack of socialization. Many unemployed individuals has experienced spiked levels of anxiety as we are in uncharted waters when it come to unemployment, socialization and social distancing, many may experience sadness, depression and may feel vulnerable when not able to be around others and communicate with people who may understand their emotions which can help elevate these feeling during isolation. Some has experienced violence in their homes and mistreatment which has led to adverse physical and mental health outcomes such as chronic disease, substance abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and risky sexual abuse and behaviors, and child abuse.

Social Distancing, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Domestic Violence: There has been an increase of abuse since the covid-19 pandemic has force many people to be at home to protection their families, community, and themselves. Because of this many who used work or school as an avenue to escape the abuse at home has been made more vulnerable to such abuse. The pandemic has cause major economic devastation, disconnected many from community resources and support systems they would often use as a resource for help which has created a widespread uncertainty of panic. Families under these conditions may be experiencing abuse that have worsen and an increase of mistreatment and violence which has become a problem in society. Child Abuse: The CDC reported that in 2018 at least 1-7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year. Nearly 1,1770 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States. Because of COVID many school and camps were unable to open which prevented many children from outdoor social activities and being stuck indoors which has made many children vulnerable to abuse by their parents because of an increase of stress levels which is a major predictor for physical abuse and neglect of children. The support that many parents depend on like, childcare, schools, community organizations, and religious groups are no longer available because of stay a home orders. Abuse of children has increased and is not being reported because children are no longer in school where teachers and school counselors are able to witness the signs of abuse and rightfully report it to the proper authorities.

Social Integration While Social Distancing Social Integration refers to ways different groups that come together to form a whole in society; so how do we socially integrate while social distancing? Though it may be more difficult for social integration while the black community is under attack and there is an administration that is working so hard to separate immigrants cultures and social integration is at risk as well. Being isolated and forced to quarantine, many people have started to reflect on human conditions today. Being forced to live indoors with limited social contact with family and friends and the outside world has exposed more social exclusion produced by systematic and institutional discrimination and other forms of rejection that leave out persons or groups from the mainstream system of economic, social, and political relationships. Access to these relationships enables the privileged to be active participants in society benefiting from cultural, economic, social and political exchanges. Excluded persons and groups do not partake in the benefits of social capital with identical sense of belonging. And in worse situations, the intensity of rejection and intolerance can create emotional and physical harm to excluded persons. To protect themselves, victims of discrimination and intolerance form smaller and tightly connected networks of solidarity and support among themselves and their allies in safe places. Social integration gives access to communities and prevent segregation and social distancing has made it harder for social integration which has caused minority targeting that many are seeing being highlighted during this pandemic and while social distancing.

Social Distancing, Systematic Racism; Some Solutions Systematic racism/minority targeting today has been intensified during this area of socialization and social/physical distancing the current situations like Brianna Taylor, George Floyd and so many other injustices that are common in society but is only now becoming a prominent to communities. The most recent situation of minority targeting was today when a black family was pulled over, handcuffed, and questioned. As situation that could have gotten out of hand and at the same time easily resolved with a couple words; license and registration those crucial two words would have revealed so much and could have avoid this family trauma. How does this relate to socialization well as the previous slide discusses the importance of social integration which allows minorities to socialize and be part of a society that except all cultures. This part of socialization has been proven to be a very faulty part of how society is integrated and proves the fact that minorities especially African Americans are not seen as an equal part of society even through with social interaction. A Solution to this injustice as we social distance is would be to face the reality of the facts that minority targeting is real and that the only way to fix it would be thorough unity. When people unite and come together for the same cause instead of denying that it exist or making an excuse for why it happened then we can see real change, real socialism, real social integration and more positive effects of social distancing in our society.

Conclusion Socialization of society and dealing with social distancing has brought about many questions of the nurture and nature of socialization. The environmental influences that contribute to the development of people that helps to innate characteristics of things. The social trends that social distancing has endured which includes a newfound reliance on virtual communication has shaped people's construction to technology and to each other for years to come which may never bring back the norms of socialization. This includes the mental and social effects due to the increase of abuse by family members which would also leave a lifetime effect on society for generations to come.

References April 20, 2020; Covid-19 social distancing having significant impacts on mental health, study show; www.medicalexpress.com Ebscohost.com: Socialization Greg Miller, March 16, 2020; Social distancing prevents infections, but it can have unintended consequences; www.sciencemag.org Chase Guttman, April 29, 2020 How Cloud Technology Unites People Separated by COVID-19; www.Nutanix.com The importance of social integration and people of minority; www.Sciencedirect.com Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Consideration During 2019, COVID-19; www.samhsa.gov Jaime Ducharme May 19, 2020, In There Any Safe Way to Socialize During The Coronavirus Pandemic?; www.time.com