5.6 Social Theory of Motivation
Questions to consider:
- Can external factors like environment and culture influence motivation?
- What types of social support can help you stay motivated?
Social learning theorists view learning as a process of adopting ways of thinking from the culture and community. Therefore, social interaction is a crucial part of the learning process. One of the leading thinkers in the social learning tradition was Lev Vygotsky.
Vygotsky believed that learning is active and not passive. He has three main concepts: culture, language and role in the community. Our culture provides us with “cognitive tools” that affect the way we think. Our language, for example, is a cultural tool. While language serves a similar function in all cultures, the unique features of a language can influence how we think.
An example of this is linguistic capital. Linguistic capital in Hispanic culture refers to the social, cultural, and economic value that is attributed to the mastery of Spanish language skills. In many Hispanic communities, the ability to speak Spanish fluently is highly valued and is often seen as a symbol of cultural identity, heritage, and tradition. Being able to communicate effectively in Spanish can also provide individuals with access to various social, cultural, and economic opportunities, such as better jobs, higher education, and greater social mobility.
In the context of college students, the social theory of motivation suggests that students’ motivation may be influenced by their peers, professors, and other members of their academic community. For example, students may be motivated by the expectations and approval of their professors or the desire to fit in with their peers.
Moreover, the social theory of motivation highlights the importance of social support and collaboration in promoting motivation. College students who feel supported by their social networks are more likely to feel motivated and persist in their academic pursuits.
Case scenario
Let’s consider the case of Kiara, a first-generation college student. Kiara grew up in a low-income community where few people went to college, and her parents did not pursue higher education. Despite these challenges, Kiara was motivated to attend college and pursue a career in healthcare.
According to social learning theory, Kiara’s motivation to pursue higher education may have been influenced by the behavior and attitudes of the people around her. For instance, she may have observed the success and prestige that college graduates in her community had achieved and modeled their behavior. Additionally, her teachers and guidance counselors may have encouraged her to pursue higher education and provided her with the necessary support and resources to succeed.
As Kiara progressed through college, her motivation to continue her studies may have been further reinforced by positive experiences and feedback from her professors and peers. She may have also received validation and recognition from her family and community for her academic achievements, which further reinforced her motivation to succeed.
Quick Quiz 5.6
- What does behaviorist Vgotsky believe about how social influences affect our motivation?