Name: ______________________________ Period: _____

Seminar 1 – Mean Girls & SocializationIn the film Mean Girls , new student Cady transfers to her first public school. She has spent most of her young life traveling with her parents, most notably in Africa and is unacquainted with American culture. In this seminar we will discuss Cady’s socialization process into a brand new culture.

Characters:

Cady – Protagonist

Regina George – Plastic

Regina’s mom -

Ms. Norbury – Teacher

Mr. Duvall – Principal

Gretchen – Plastic

Karen - Plastic

Janis – Artsy girl, Befriends Cady

Damian – Janis’ best friend, Befriends Cady

Aaron Samuels – Cady/Regina’s love interest

Kevin Gnapoor – Mathlete

Part I – Sociological Concepts in the Film

Define the following terms:

1. Define and give examples from the film for each of the following:

Culture –

Socialization –

Agents of Socialization –

Values –

Norms –

Laws –

Mores –

Folkways –

Taboos –

Part II – Sociological Film Analysis

1. What assumptions are made about Cady on her first day of class? Why?

2. Why do you think Mr. Duvall dislikes his nephews name?

3. What incorrect assumptions does Cady make in the lunch room?

4. Discuss how Cady is being socialized by the social institution of education (public

school)? How has this differed from her experiences with education in the past?

5. Cady is eventually befriended by Janis and Damian. Why do you think the three

gravitated toward each other?

6. Regina invites Cady to sit with them every day at lunch. Why do you think she does this?

7. What cultural mistakes (norms, values, customs, etc) does Cady make throughout the

film?

8. Cady describes the social hierarchy of the school in great detail. Do you think we have a

version of this at Freeport? Why or why not

9. As Regina’s mom explains, “There are no rules in this house. I’m not like a regular mom.

I’m a cool mom!” Briefly describe what seems to be the mom’s parenting style and the

effects it has had on her daughter’s socialization (Kylie & Regina)?

10. What do you think Cady learned about the social institution of the family or parents from

visiting Regina’s home?

11. Who are “The Plastics?” What word in sociology would we use to describe them in terms

of how they relate to one another and how they function as a group?

12. How is Cady socialized as a member of “The Plastics?”

13. Final question (Short essay): Discuss Character Arc. In other words, explain Cady’s

transformation from the start of the film to the end of the film? Cite specific evidence

from the film for her changes. For example, one might cite Cady’s interaction with the

Burn Book as a reason for her discovering that girls tend to gossip about other girls.