Humanness is not merely a biological trait-it is a social construct shaped by culture, interaction, and socialization. Sociologists believe that what makes us truly human is not just our physical form but our ability to think, communicate, and engage with others. Through social relationships, norms, and shared values, individuals develop the characteristics that define them as human.
This topic explores the sociological perspective on humanness, discussing how it is shaped by socialization, culture, institutions, and interactions.
1. Understanding Humanness from a Sociological Perspective
1.1 The Social Nature of Being Human
Sociologists argue that humanness is not something we are born with-it is something we acquire through life experiences. From birth, individuals learn language, emotions, and behavior through interaction with others.
Unlike animals, humans rely heavily on social structures such as family, education, and communities to define their identity. Without these influences, a person would lack the essential traits that make them truly human.
1.2 Key Sociological Theories on Humanness
Several sociological theories explain how humanness is a product of social interaction:
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Symbolic Interactionism (George Herbert Mead) – Humanness is shaped through communication, symbols, and role-taking in social settings.
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Social Constructionism – Human identity and reality are constructed through societal norms and shared experiences.
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Structural Functionalism – Institutions such as family and education help mold individuals into functioning members of society.
Each of these perspectives highlights that our sense of self is deeply connected to social influences and relationships.
2. The Role of Socialization in Shaping Humanness
2.1 What Is Socialization?
Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors necessary to function in society. It is the foundation of humanness, shaping how we think, feel, and act.
There are two main types of socialization:
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Primary Socialization – Takes place in childhood, where family members teach basic skills and cultural values.
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Secondary Socialization – Occurs in schools, workplaces, and social groups, shaping advanced behaviors and beliefs.
Through socialization, humans develop essential traits such as empathy, cooperation, and morality.
2.2 Agents of Socialization
Several key agents contribute to the formation of humanness:
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Family – The first and most influential social institution, teaching basic social norms.
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Education – Schools shape intellectual abilities, discipline, and societal roles.
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Peers – Friends and social circles influence behavior, language, and self-identity.
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Media – Mass communication shapes perceptions of the world and societal expectations.
Each of these agents plays a crucial role in transforming individuals into members of society.
3. The Influence of Culture on Humanness
3.1 Culture as a Blueprint for Human Behavior
Culture is the set of beliefs, traditions, language, and customs that guide human behavior. Sociologists argue that humanness is largely a product of cultural influences, as it shapes:
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How people communicate and express emotions.
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The values and ethics individuals adopt.
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Social norms that define acceptable behavior.
Without culture, humans would lack the shared understanding that allows societies to function cohesively.
3.2 Language and Humanness
Language is one of the most defining aspects of humanness. It allows people to:
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Communicate complex ideas and emotions.
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Pass down knowledge and traditions.
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Form social bonds and relationships.
Sociologists such as Lev Vygotsky argue that without language, human thought and identity would be severely limited. Language is what enables people to engage in society, develop personalities, and express their humanity.
4. Social Institutions and the Development of Humanness
4.1 The Role of Family
The family is the first social institution individuals interact with. It is responsible for:
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Teaching children their first language and cultural traditions.
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Instilling values such as respect, love, and discipline.
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Providing emotional and social support.
A child raised in isolation without family interaction would struggle to develop normal human traits, further proving that humanness is a social product.
4.2 Education and Knowledge Transmission
Schools and educational institutions help individuals:
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Develop critical thinking and reasoning skills.
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Learn social etiquette and problem-solving.
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Understand their role in society.
Education expands humanness by exposing individuals to new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge systems.
4.3 Government and Law in Shaping Humanity
Laws and political structures also contribute to humanness by:
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Defining ethical behavior and justice.
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Protecting human rights and freedoms.
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Establishing order and societal expectations.
The legal system helps enforce social responsibility, making individuals more aware of their role in a cooperative society.
5. Human Interaction and the Construction of Identity
5.1 The Looking-Glass Self (Charles Horton Cooley)
Cooley’s theory suggests that humanness develops through self-perception and social feedback. People form their identities based on:
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How they believe others see them.
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Their interpretation of social reactions.
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The way they adjust their behavior accordingly.
Without social interaction, individuals would lack self-awareness and a sense of belonging.
5.2 Role-Taking and Perspective-Shifting
Mead’s role-taking theory emphasizes that humans learn their social roles by:
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Observing others.
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Mimicking behavior.
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Adapting based on societal expectations.
This process is essential for empathy, cooperation, and collective progress.
6. What Happens Without Social Influence?
6.1 Cases of Feral Children
Children who grow up without human contact (such as in extreme isolation) often lack:
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The ability to speak or understand language.
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Basic emotional expressions and interactions.
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Normal social behavior and cognition.
These cases prove that humanness is not purely genetic but instead a product of society and environment.
6.2 Psychological Effects of Isolation
Long-term social isolation can lead to:
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Emotional detachment and cognitive decline.
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Loss of identity and self-awareness.
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Difficulty reintegrating into society.
Social interaction is a necessity, not a luxury, in the development of human traits.
Sociologists widely agree that humanness is not simply a biological reality but a social construct. It is shaped by culture, language, education, relationships, and institutions. Without socialization, humans would lack the essential skills, emotions, and identity that define them.
From birth to adulthood, people continuously evolve based on their interactions with others. Family, peers, education, and laws all contribute to the development of morality, communication, and cooperation.
In essence, to be human is to be social. Without society, humanness would not exist in its true form.