Sociology

Agents of Socialization Agents of Socialization: People or groups that affect our self-concept, emotions, attitudes, behaviors, or other orientations toward life.

The Family The family is the first group to have a major impact on the development of our “self” Family and Social Class Discipline: style varies between social classes Skills: what is important? Development: how involved are the parents?

The Neighborhood Poor Neighborhoods vs. Wealthy Neighborhoods

Religion Religion influences values

Day Care Children who attend daycare are more likely to… Have weaker bonds with their mothers Have higher language skills “smart but mean” children

The School Latent Functions Hidden curriculum Not taught explicitly Stories used in English may bring ideas of democracy or justice Corridor Curriculum What students teach each other

Peer Groups Family influence declines as children are exposed to more agents of socialization Influence of peer groups can be dominating and extend to violating social norms

Sports Teach values as well as physical skills Profound effect on self-image

Workplace Early jobs teach us skills and influence our view of the world Anticipatory Socialization Learning to play a role before entering it Work can become part of our self-image