Theory, socialisation and social control

What do Functionalists say about the role of socialisation? All members of society must learn the same core values. This creates a value consensus which acts to hold a society together and prevent breakdown. Everyone benefits from the socialisation of people into these core values. The most important agency of socialisation is the family

Norms e.g. marriage, making a fuss of cheaters. e.g. monogamy. Values

How are we socialised into these values?

They encourage social solidarity and social integration. Parsons The role of all social institutions is to ensure the passing on of socially acceptable patterns of behaviour. How is this done? They give some values and norms a sacred quality so they become powerful moral codes. They socialise people into key values which become common values and norms, meaning our behaviour is predictable. They encourage social solidarity and social integration.

Example of functionalism: the role of education Education systems are essential in that they transmit shared cultural_______, thus producing conformity and____________. Subjects such as history, language and religious education link the individual to ________ , past and present, by encouraging a sense of pride; this reinforces their sense of ___________to society. Education acts as a bridge between the family unit and wider society, preparing young people for the world of work. It socialises children into important values such as__________, competition and individualism. society achievement consensus belonging values

What do Functionalists say about the role of social control? Social control is necessary and beneficial to all. It ensures that people are correctly socialised into society’s norms and values. It ensures that dysfunctions are dealt with quickly and that there is a swift return to equilibrium.

What do Marxists say about the role of socialisation? It involves the population being programmed into believing the values of the ruling class. Only the ruling class benefit from socialisation. Socialisation is part of the ruling class ideology which maintains and promotes the exploitation of the subject class.

How do the following values support the ruling class?

Ideology The working class rarely challenge capitalism because those who control the economy also control the institutions that are responsible for socialisation. These institutions pass off ruling-class norms and values as ‘normal’ and ‘natural’. Marxists refer to these ruling class ideas as ideology.

How do the following contribute to ideology?

Example of Marxism: the role of the education system Education is dominated by a hidden curriculum – a ruling class ideology that encourages conformity and an unquestioning acceptance of the organisation of the capitalist system. Schools socialise pupils into uncritical acceptance of hierarchy, obedience and failure.

What do Marxists say about Social control? Social control is used by the powerful in society to force or persuade the less powerful to behave as they want them to. Agencies of socialisation are used by the ruling class to reinforce its ideology; a view which justifies existing inequality.

What do Social action theorists say about socialisation? Individuals are not passive recipients of socialisation or social control. They are active agents who are constantly involved in defining and redefining the meanings given to socialisation. Socialisation involves learning shared interpretations and meanings for social interaction.