“Agents of socialization”

4 Primary agents of socialization

*Family

*Education and Peer groups

*Social and mass media

*Boundaries

The family
Family, the closest set of people to an individual , are the ones that have the
greatest impact on the socialization process. Many people, from birth to early
adulthood rely heavily on their family for support, basic necessities such as shelter
and food, nurturing, and guidance. Due to this, many of the influences from the
family become a part of the growing individual. The family imposes on the child
their language, culture, race, religion, and class, and as a result all of these concepts
contribute to the child's self.[1] Failure of the family to be continuously present as a
strong influence can lead to deviant behaviours later on in life. Various theories of
primary socialisation state that the degree of bonding during this process and the
norms acquired during childhood may lead to deviant behaviour and even drug abuse
as an adult. Also, the ego levels of adults surrounding the person during primary
socialisation as well their behaviours towards others affects the primary
socialisation process of the individual.[9]
Education and peer groups
Educational systems introduce new knowledge to children as well as order and
bureaucracy. In school a child learns about other cultures, races and religions
different from their own. Education influences individuals to think and act certain
ways that pertain to the norms and values of their current society. One example of
this is gender roles; from a young age, schools teach children to act in particular
manners based on their gender.[2]

A peer group can be identified as a group of individuals who are similar in age and
social class. By joining peer groups, children begin to detach from the authority the
family has imposed in them, and start making choices of their own. Negative
influences from peer groups can also lead to deviant behavior due to peer
pressure.[9] These groups in an individual's life have significant effects on the
primary socialization process since they can influence an individual to think or act
differently.

Social and mass media

Social and mass media are some of the most influential agents of socialization.
Magazines, television, social networks, newspapers, internet, films, and radio are all
forms of mass media that entertain and send messages to large audiences. As a
result, all of these messages sent out by social media have an effect on the way
children see themselves and the world around them.[3] Some examples of influential
messages that are constantly seen from mass media include unrealistic or even
unhealthy beauty standards, racial and sexual stereotypes, and violence around the
world. These messages can all impact how a child creates their self and how they act
as individuals in society.
Boundaries
Primary socialization takes place during infancy, childhood and early adolescence,
in which an individual builds their basic core identity and personality. During this
process a person forms their self-image and self-awareness through social
experience. In primary socialization the family has a grand influence on the
individual, as well as peer groups, educational institutions, and mass media.
Overlapped with this is the process of secondary socialization, which occurs from
childhood through adulthood, where an individual encounters new groups, and must
take up new roles to successfully participate in society.[10] However, this process
involves smaller changes than those of primary socialization and is more associated
with teenagers and adults. During secondary socialization an individual begins to
partake in smaller groups of larger societies, and as a result must learn to behave
appropriately. The behavioral patterns that were created by the socialization agents
during primary socialization are put into action in secondary socialization.
III.

Culture:

A. What is culture?

Ans: Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of

a particular group of people, encompassing language,
religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
The Center for Advance Research on Language Acquisition goes a
step further, defining culture as shared patterns of
behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs and
understanding that are learned by socialization. Thus,
it can be seen as the growth of a group identity
fostered by social patterns unique to the group.
"Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear,
how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we
believe is right or wrong, how we sit at the table, how
we greet visitors, how we behave with loved ones, and
a million other things," Cristina De Rossi, an
anthropologist at Barnet and Southgate College in
London, told Live Science.
The word "culture" derives from a French term, which
in turn derives from the Latin "colere," which means
to tend to the earth and grow, or cultivation and
nurture. "It shares its etymology with a number of
other words related to actively fostering growth," De
Rossi said.
B. Components of Culture
C. Characteristics of Culture