Agents of Socialization
Family
First agent of socialization Teach a child what they need to know oEx: To use objects like clothes, computers, eating, utensils, books, bikes, how to relate to others Social factors impact how a family raises its children oUsed to be okay for a child to get hit/ now abuse Race, social class, religion. Societal factors impact oPoor families emphasize obedience and conformity oWealthy families emphasize judgment and creativity Children are socialized to abide by: gender norms, perception of race, class-related behaviors oIt's considered masculine in Sweden to be a stay at home dad
MASS MEDIA
•Distribution of impersonal information to a wide audience o TV, newspapers, radio, internet •Greatly influences social norms •Objects of material culture and nonmaterial culture
PEER GROUPS
•Group of people with similar age, interest, and social class •Begins in the earliest years o Taking turns, shooting baskets •Important to adolescents o Develop identity away from parents/ independence •Opportunities for socialization in different activities • Influenced by parents
GOVERNMENT
•Many rites of passages are based on age norms by government o Adult: 18 years o Old Age: 65 Years •Must be socialized into every new role •Seniors: o Medicare, Social Security benefits, senior discounts •Males turn 18 must be entered into database for military services •Dictates when we require socialization into new category
RELIGION
•Practices related to formal institutions •Important avenue of socialization for many people •Teaches how to react with religion's material culture o Mezuzah, a prayer rug, communion wafer •Ceremonies related to family are connected o Marriage and birth •Socialized values passed on through society
WORKPLACE
•Require new socialization •Material culture and nonmaterial culture •Material culture o Operating copy machine •Nonmaterial culture o Speaking directly to boss o How fridge is shared •Trend is to switch jobs once a decade o Must become socialized to and by a variety of work environments
SCHOOL
•Very important on socialization •Teach behaviors: o Teamwork o Following a schedule o Using textbooks •Classroom rituals reinforce what society expects •Learn about competition and "winners" and "Losers" of the world •Citizenship and national pride o Pledge of Allegiance o US history/geography
