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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. Table 15-1: High School Popularity

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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?

13. 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?