Socialization / Social Experience

Socialization is the process through which people are taught their Culture.

Through social interaction, individuals develop a sense of Self (“distinct sense of identity”).

Agents of Socialization

  1. Family (Most important agent of socialization)
    • Lays down basic sense of Self
    • Teaches skills & Values
    • Family also decides our Social Standing, our gender roles, and our Birth order
  2. School
    • Knowledge & skills, hidden Curriculum, gender roles, introduces children to the peer group
  3. Peer Group
    • Immensely powerful because:
      • based on common interest
      • provides guidelines for all aspects of life
      • threat of expulsion
    • Anticipatory socialization
    • Influences behaviour that VIOLATES social norms
  4. Mass Media
    • Impersonal communications aimed at a wide audience
    • Often mirrors (reinforces) social inequality
    • Concerns?
    • What about social media?
  5. Workplace
    • Observe parents
    • Anticipatory socialization
    • Occupational socialization
    • New skills as technology changes
  6. Government
    • Many of the traditional family’s functions have been transferred to the state
    • Influences values, norms
  7. Religion
    • Cultural components:
      • Symbols, language
      • Values, beliefs
      • Norms