Question: How major agents of socialization influence our social development
Learning Objective
1. To recognize the major agents of socialization and how their dominance influences our social development.
There are four major agents of socialization: family, school, peers, and media. Each one of these agents plays a dominant role in shaping our social development.
Family is the first agent of socialization that we encounter. From our family, we learn about love, communication, and how to develop relationships. We also learn about our culture and values.
School is the second agent of socialization. At school, we learn how to read, write, and think critically. We also learn about different subject areas such as science, history, and mathematics. Peers are another important agent of socialization. From our peers, we learn how to interact with others and form relationships. We also learn about what is important to our peer group and what is not.
Media is the last of the major agents of socialization. From the media, we learn about current events, different cultures, and new ideas. We also learn about violence, sex, and other controversial topics.
agents of socialization are the people and groups that affect our beliefs, values, and behaviors. The agents of socialization most influential during childhood are the family, schools, and peer groups. As we grow older, other agents such as the media, religious institutions, and work organizations also play a role. Collectively, these agents shape our self-concept, attitudes, and behaviors.
The family is often considered the primary agent of socialization because it is the first group we belong to and have close contact with. It is through our family members that we learn basic values, norms, and expectations. For example, we learn how to communicate, how to behave in certain situations, what types of clothing are appropriate to wear, and what types of food to eat.
Schools are also important agents of socialization. Through the educational system, we learn how to read, write, and do math. We also learn about history, science, and other subjects that expand our knowledge and understanding of the world. In addition, schools teach us how to interact with other people and follow rules and regulations.
Peer groups are another significant agent of socialization. As we grow older, we begin to associate with friends who share similar interests and values. These friends influence our behaviors and attitudes in a number of ways. For example, they may pressure us to try new things (such as drugs or alcohol), or they may discourage us from engaging in certain behaviors (such as cheating on a test).
The media is another agents of socialization that can have a powerful influence on our beliefs, values, and behaviors. Television, movies, radio, and the Internet are all forms of media that provide us with information and entertainment. They also expose us to new ideas and perspectives. The messages we see and hear in the media can shape our thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics, including politics, religion, and relationships.
Religious institutions are another type of agent of socialization. Churches, temples, and mosques are places where people come together to worship god or gods. They also provide us with a set of values and beliefs to live by. For many people, religious teachings serve as a moral compass, guiding them in their day-to-day lives.
Work organizations are also agents of socialization. Our jobs expose us to new people and experiences. We learn how to interact with co-workers, follow rules and regulations, and complete tasks. We also develop new skills and knowledge that can help us in our personal lives.