The Shawstank Redemption Movie Comparison to Sociology

Shawshank Redemption is quite the intriguing movie when pertaining to sociology. This particular movie focuses on socialization, as well as desocialization and resocialization.
First and foremost, socialization refers to the lifelong process of inheriting and disseminating norms, customs and ideologies, providing an individual with the skills and habits necessary for participating within his or her own society; it is the means by which social and cultural continuity are attained (Socialization). Andy projects socialization in the film by simply stating to Red, “You know the funny thing is, on the outside I was an honest man, straight as an arrow. I had to come to prison to be a crook.” Another example of socialization projected in the film occurs about 20 minutes into the film; the Warden states, “Rule number one: no blasphemy. I'll not have the Lord's name taken in vain in my prison.” He disallows the men their right to obtain freedom of speech on the grounds that he disapproves of such “ugly” words. There is also the fact that Red experienced a change in character with nineteen years of Andy’s company. For approximately forty years, Red has been denied parole and frankly, didn’t give a damn whether he received approval or not; however, things change with time. As a result of everything that Red has experienced with Andy, he gives the board a speech that sings a different tune. Instead of pretending to be an honest man who has changed for the better, Red tells the men of the board that he “does not give a shit”. He explains to the board that he experiences regret every day of his life, not because he got caught or because he should feel bad, but because he simply feels regret and sorrow. When asked of his thoughts on the word re...

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...the best of things”. It is at this very moment that Red changes his attitude and begins to view life in a positive manner. Through the voice-overs that occur at the end of the film, Red is hopeful for what the future holds and one day being reunited with his friend Andy. His hope is expressed so strongly that he decides to break parole and risk everything to find Andy. This shows the audience that hope can drive a person to risk everything in order to reach their desired goal. The director uses music and voice-overs in order to allow the audience to better relate to the central characters and their attitudes involving hope. Even after losing everything they have once known, they continue to feel hopeful for what is to come.

Works Cited

"Socialization." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 04 Mar. 2014. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. .