What term refers to the awareness of societal attitudes and expectations that a child incorporates into their behavior?

The term "generalized others" refers to the understanding that individuals develop regarding the attitudes, norms, and expectations of the broader society in which they live. This concept comes from the work of sociologist George Herbert Mead, who emphasized how individuals learn to see themselves from the perspective of the society around them.

When a child incorporates societal attitudes and expectations into their behavior, they are essentially internalizing the collective views of society as a whole, which is what "generalized others" represents. This internalization enables children to navigate social interactions more effectively by adhering to the norms and expectations that are prevalent in their culture, allowing them to engage in behavior that is considered acceptable and appropriate by their peers and society at large.

The other options, while related to socialization and behavior, do not fully capture this comprehensive understanding. "Specific others" typically refers to individuals who play a direct role in a child's life, such as parents or close friends, but does not encompass broader societal expectations. "Social observers" is a less common term and does not relate specifically to the development of a social self. "Cultural expectations" is a more general concept and does not specifically address the internalization process that defines the idea of generalized others.