Agents of Socialization FAMILY HAS THE GREATEST IMPACT ON SOCIALIZATION THE FIRST TO TEACH SKILLS, VALUES, & BELIEFS EVEN TEENS CONTINUE TO PLACE THEIR GREATEST TRUST IN THEIR PARENTS

THE FAMILY Civic Participation Political Action Apathy Voting Political Party Affiliation News/Current Events

Cont… CLASS POSITION SHAPES NOT ONLY HOW MUCH MONEY PARENTS HAVE TO SPEND BUT ALSO WHAT THEY EXPECT FROM THEIR CHILDREN. PEOPLE OF LOWER SOCIAL STANDING USUALLY HAVE LIMITED EDUCATION & PERFORM ROUTINE JOBS UNDER CLOSE SUPERVISION. THEY EXPECT THE SAME FOR THEIR KIDS. Parents Apathy in Politics=Children’s Apathy in Politics

ON THE OTHER HAND… WELL-OFF PARENTS, WITH MORE SCHOOLING, USUALLY HAVE JOBS THAT DEMAND IMAGINATION AND PROVIDE FOR MORE PERSONAL FREEDOM. THEREFORE, THESE PARENTS TRY TO INSPIRE THE SAME QUALITIES IN THEIR CHILDREN. Parent’s interest in politics=Children’s interest in politics

THE MEDIA Televison, Interwebs, Twitter, The FB Diversity Lessons Social and Political Agenda Voting Practices Information Skewing Perception/ The Spin “If it bleeds, it leads”

THE SCHOOL Schooling enlarges children’s social world to include people with backgrounds very different from their own. Teach a wide range of knowledge and skills “THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM” HONORING COMPETITION, ACADEMIC SUCCESS, SOCIETAL VALUES, PATRIOTISM ETC.

SCHOOLS ARE MOST CHILDREN’S FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH BUREAUCRACY Run on impersonal rules A strict time schedule Just a number mentality I don’t count These being the hallmark of organizations that they will be involved with later in life.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION Impact on Politics=How religious you are Obama V. McCain Conservative v. Liberal

Religion

PEER GROUPS By the time they enter school, kids have discovered the peer group: A social group whose members have interest, social position, and age in common. UNLIKE FAMILY & SCHOOL, THE PEER GROUP LETS CHILDREN ESCAPE THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF ADULTS.

Political and Community Leaders President Fire or Police Chief Endorsements from Respected Members

Region Where you live affects your politics Urban v. Suburban v. Rural North v. South West Coast v. East Coast

Demographics Race Gender~ Gender Gap Age~ Generational Effect The Graying of America Fastest growing age group is over 65 Potential drain on Social Security “Gray Power

Turnout by Age