Agents of Socialization Madiha Anas Lecturer Department of Applied Psychology School of Social Sciences Beaconhouse National University

Agents of Socialization persons or institutions which influence our thoughts and behaviors. persons or institutions which influence our thoughts and behaviors.

Both informal and formal agents are involved in the socialization of individuals. Both informal and formal agents are involved in the socialization of individuals. The family and peers are typical informal agents of socializationThe family and peers are typical informal agents of socialization and the school and mass media represent formal agents.and the school and mass media represent formal agents.

Agents of Socialization Family Preschool/Day care Schools Peer Groups Mass Media Religion Organizations Agents of Socialization from Primary to Secondary to Adulthood Agents of Socialization from Primary to Secondary to Adulthood

Polling Question Which agent of socialization do you think is the most responsible for gender differences in how males and females are socialized? Which agent of socialization do you think is the most responsible for gender differences in how males and females are socialized? A. The family B. Religion C. The peer group D. Education E. Mass media

Family 1 st group to have impact on individual1 st group to have impact on individual Give basic sense of selfGive basic sense of self most important of the agents of socializationmost important of the agents of socialization responsible for, among other things,responsible for, among other things, determining one's attitudes toward religion determining one's attitudes toward religion establishing career goals establishing career goals help children internalize the norms of the society in which they live. Provides:Provides: social position social position emotional support emotional support physical support physical support role models role models

Much about the family has changed: Decline of the nuclear family Decline of the nuclear family Single parent households Single parent households Divorce Divorce Decline of extended family Decline of extended family

Religion Influences values, what is right/wrongInfluences values, what is right/wrong

School Manifest and latent functionsManifest and latent functions transmit knowledge and skills transmit knowledge and skills agency responsible for socializing groups of young people in particular skills and values in societyagency responsible for socializing groups of young people in particular skills and values in society

Individuals of roughly the same age connected by common interestsIndividuals of roughly the same age connected by common interests who share other social characteristics (e.g., students in a college class).who share other social characteristics (e.g., students in a college class). Standards of peer groups dominate our livesStandards of peer groups dominate our lives Peer groups

Mass Media Types of mass media: Types of mass media: movies, televisionmovies, television print- magazines and newspapers, books, etc.print- magazines and newspapers, books, etc. musicmusic electronic communicationselectronic communications

Mass Media Functions to socialize: provides information provides information contact with others contact with others viewpoints on issues viewpoints on issues access to consumer culture access to consumer culture entertainment entertainment education? education?

Internet Addiction While we are accustomed to complaints that children (or adults) watch too much television, a new mass media problem has emerged since While we are accustomed to complaints that children (or adults) watch too much television, a new mass media problem has emerged since Internet Addiction.Internet Addiction. The American Psychiatric Association has recognized Internet Addiction Disorder. Some indications include: The American Psychiatric Association has recognized Internet Addiction Disorder. Some indications include: 1.Tolerance- needing more time online to achieve satisfaction.1.Tolerance- needing more time online to achieve satisfaction. 2. Withdrawal symptoms that develop within a few days to a month after reducing or stopping use. The resumption of use decreases the symptoms.2. Withdrawal symptoms that develop within a few days to a month after reducing or stopping use. The resumption of use decreases the symptoms.

3. Use of the Internet more often for longer periods of time. And spending time on Internet related activities (reading books, trying out software, etc.)3. Use of the Internet more often for longer periods of time. And spending time on Internet related activities (reading books, trying out software, etc.) 4. Neglect of other important life activities.4. Neglect of other important life activities. 5. Excessive use impacts negatively on job, relationship, or other role obligations.5. Excessive use impacts negatively on job, relationship, or other role obligations. Some research has indicated that middle aged women and people already prone to depression and bipolar disorders are most likely to develop this disorder. Some research has indicated that middle aged women and people already prone to depression and bipolar disorders are most likely to develop this disorder. The subject has been studied by psychologists. The subject has been studied by psychologists.