Module 15: Agents of Socialization Sociology in Modules Richard T. Schaefer 3rd edition

Agents of Socialization Continuing and lifelong socialization process involves many different social forces Family Gender roles: expectations regarding proper behavior, attitudes, and activities of males and females

Agents of Socialization School Teaches values and customs of larger society Can also reinforce divisive aspects of society

Agents of Socialization Peer Group As children grow older, peer groups increasingly assume role of Mead’s significant others Gender differences are noteworthy among adolescents

Table 15-1: High School Popularity

Agents of Socialization Mass Media and Technology Media innovations are important agents of socialization Concerns about teen use of Internet; however, use of technology not always negative New communication technologies in developing countries

Agents of Socialization Workplace Learning to behave appropriately within occupational setting is a fundamental aspect of human socialization Religion and State Government and organized religion impact life course by reinstituting some rites of passage

Social Policy and Socialization: Child Care around the World Looking at the Issue In the U.S., 73% of employed mothers depend on others to care for their children 30% of mothers who aren’t employed have regular care arrangements Researchers found high quality child-care centers do not adversely affect socialization of children Few can afford to have a parent stay at home

Social Policy and Socialization: Child Care around the World Applying Sociology Interactionists favor studies assessing quality of child care outside of home; micro level of analysis High-quality day care not equally available to all families Conflict perspective notes child care costs are burden for lower-class families Feminist perspective questions low status and wages of day care workers

Social Policy and Socialization: Child Care around the World Initiating Policy Policies vary throughout the world When policymakers decide child care is desirable, must determine degree to which taxpayers subsidize it

Research Today 15-1: Rum Springa: Raising Children Amish Style Do you or anyone you know come from a subculture that rejects mainstream American culture? If so, describe the community’s norms and values. How do they resemble and how do they differ from Amish norms and values? Why do you think so many Amish youths return to their families’ way of life after rebelling against it?

Sociology on Campus 15-2: Unplugging the Media: What Happens? Could you go without media for a day? Get together with a group of friends or classmates and try going media-free for 24 hours; then share your reactions. How well did students in the United States react to a media-free day compared to those in other countries? What might explain the differences?

Taking Sociology to Work Rakefet Avramovitz, Program Administrator, Child Care Law Center What might be some of the broad, long-term effects of the center’s work to expand child care options? Explain. Besides the law, what other professions might benefit from the skills a sociology major has to offer?