Question

According to Dr. Sigmund Freud, personality is based on three major components the id, ego and superego. Briefly define these components and state your opinion of Freud’s theory.

By choosing two of the agents of socialization, explain how both have influenced your own development in a positive and or negative way. Please the back to if needed.

Answer 1

Q1.

The id is the animalistic need present in individuals. It is the source of all our needs and drives and works on the pleasure principle wherein it focuses on instant gratification. It operates on primary process thinking and does not take into consideration any logical rules while fulfilling its needs. Also is does not have understanding of reality or societal norms.

The ego acts on the reality principle wherein it tries to channel the energy and instincts of the id into more realistic and accepatble actions. The ego understands the id's instincts but also understands that those instincts are unrealisitic and cannot be allowed in society. It therefore redirects or avoids the id's animalistic urges.

The superego works on the morality principle wherein it internalizes all the values, rules and belief systems of one's enviroment and rigidly adheres to them. These values are generally given by parents, relatives, teachers, religion, etc. The superego is the part of our personality that instills in us the feelings of shame, guilt and embarrasment when we do something bad but is also responsible for our feelings of pride and joy when we accomplish something good.  

Opinion - I do not personally agree with Freud's theory of psychosexual stages mainly because of its lack of empirical evidence and lack of importance on genetic and environmental factors. Although the id, ego and super ego gives us a good theory of the self, it still lacks empirical evidence. Nevertheless, Freud's theory gave rise to many schools of thought that have changed the understanding of psychology and hence he will always be regarded as the Father of Psychology.

Q2. 2 Agents of socialization

1. Parents - My parents have shaped my life in unimaginable ways. I consider both of them as my role models because they made a life for themselves without graduating. I learnt from them that hard work goes a long way and effort always matters. Their positivity and encouragement have made me confident and a go-getter. Their perseverence in the face of hardships has taugh me to never give up and always be persistent.   

2. School - I consider schools to act as second homes since we spend most of our time there. I had great teachers who taught me values that I was unable to learn at home like sharing, caring for peers, co-operation and societal norms. I did not get a chance to learn these important values at home since I was an only child. School acted as a place where I could practice these new values and form strong bonds with others.