Agents of Socialization …how we are influenced or guided to behave in a certain way by external forces.

1) FAMILY: The primary agent of socialization  The family is where you first learn about: Basic techniques for looking after ourselves Language and communication skills The normal rules of behavior (norms) Getting along with others (siblings, parents, distant relatives)

Since the family teaches us important things about ourselves, it is vital in the development of our personalities  Gender roles – what our society expects from boys/men and girls/women  Personal qualities – how smart, loved and trusting we are Families can produce positive role models, but can also expose children to negative examples.

2)SCHOOLS: frequently the first agent to make us deal with formal rules  School teaches us two separate things:  Manifest function (visible purpose) – to teach us the academic skills we need to prosper in society  Examples:

 Latent function (hidden purpose) – To socialize us to understand and co-operate with strangers, some of whom we may not particularly like! Rules – being on time, being neat, when to speak, when to be silent How to speak in a formal manner Respect for authority  This prepares us as working adults to show respect for our bosses and the rules of the company or organization that employs us.  Gender roles: Obvious – boys and girls use separate washrooms, change rooms, separated for Physical and Health education classes  Less Obvious – examples…

3) Peers  Give us the opportunity to do things and talk about things that are not usually encouraged to discuss in the family. Example:  Focus on: sharing and participation, dealing with fears and conflicts in their lives, and resisting adult authority

Gender Roles:  Male teenagers may feel pressure to develop athletic ability, to act cool in all situations, and to seem tough.  Females may be pressured to concentrate on their physical appearance, diet, skillfully apply makeup, or to adopt mature social concerns such as child poverty or saving the environment.

4) Religion:  communicates beliefs about gender roles and appropriate sexual conduct (often reinforces family socialization).  encourages responsibility for one another in society. Example:  gives us motivation for survival and how to lead a ‘good life’.  19% of Canada’s population reported that they had no religious affiliation. What does that mean?

5) Media  Has become an increasingly important influence on our expectations from life, our values, and how we see ourselves.  We must remember that the media functions as commercial operations, designed to make money by obtaining as many customers as possible – they sometimes present an unrealistic view of life.  Advertising persuades us that we can have it all - even if we have no money or need for the product.  Gender Roles: ???

Answer the following….  Which agent of socialization has been the most significant influence in your life? Explain.