Social Development Stages and Neurotransmitter Action

Understanding Socialization: Process and Definition

Socialization defines the process by which a person becomes socially responsible, learning and endorsing the standards and values of the society in which they live. Socialization presents two distinct aspects:

• The Visible Face: Describes how the individual acts within their culture, playing a decisive role.
• The Internal Face: A more psychological aspect, describing how the person internalizes and develops their own way of living.

This process is essentially the way we integrate into the culture we are in contact with, finding its way into our cognitive framework.

The Stages of Socialization

Primary Socialization

This is the most important and basic stage, occurring during childhood. It is primarily carried out by the family and is based on the dependency relationship the child has with their parents, including affection and emotional effect. This is considered the most delicate stage of all.

Secondary Socialization

Secondary socialization begins when the child realizes there are more people besides their immediate family, and it continues until the individual's death. Agents of secondary socialization include:

• Peer groups and social groups
• The education system/school
• The world of work
• Sports groups

Tertiary Socialization

This stage occurs only in specific cases where the individual suffers a significant rupture or crisis. This implies a profound shift in internalized values, norms, and even personality.

Neurotransmitters and Synaptic Chemical Action

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are released from the axon terminal into the synaptic space. These chemicals travel across the space and fit into the membrane of the receiving neuron, much like puzzle pieces.

Santiago Ramón y Cajal, a Nobel Prize winner, dedicated his research to studying the transmission of the nervous impulse. Over 50 different neurotransmitters have been identified, and their full effects on human behavior are still being studied.

Key Neurotransmitters and Neural Pathways

The most important neurotransmitters include: acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, glycine, histamine, glutamic acid, and enkephalin.

It is known that a particular neural pathway may utilize one or two neurotransmitters, and that certain neurotransmitters may have specific effects on behavior and emotions.

How Drugs Affect Synaptic Transmission

Drugs act on the synapses by either promoting or inhibiting the action of neurotransmitters.

Examples of Neurotransmitter Blockers and Mimics

• Curare: South American Indians apply this substance to the tips of their arrows. Curare blocks acetylcholine receptors, preventing the neurotransmitter from acting on the muscles. The result is total paralysis and the stopping of heartbeats, leading to death.
• Black Widow Venom: The venom causes a massive release of acetylcholine. The result is violent muscle contractions that can also cause death.
• Heroin: Heroin mimics the emission of endorphins. When the effect of heroin takes hold, pain disappears. However, the brain disorders its own natural production, meaning addicts require increasing amounts over time to reduce suffering.
• Cocaine: Cocaine remains in the receptor, causing an avalanche of excitatory signals. Ultimately, this high is followed by a severe depression when the drug wears off.