Nature and nurture

Question 1

The Theoretical Viewpoints of Primary/Secondary Agents of Socialisation

Answer 1

Process of learning acceptable norms and values which takes place during the early years of childhood in the family.

These can be formally taught, but also informally picked up through observation and imitation of their parent’s behaviour.

A child is learning the social roles that are expected of them by looking towards their role models, i.e parents.

Socialisation and Identity - Baumeister (1986) notes that socialisation in the family provides children with an identity. This is through imitative play whereby children observe their parents who provide the blueprint for action and copy them.

Question 2

Baumeister’s Notes

Date?

Answer 2

Baumeister (1986) notes that socialisation in the family provides children with an identity. This is through imitative play whereby children observe their parents who provide the blueprint for action and copy them.

1986

Question 3

Morgan’s Theory

Date?

Answer 3

Morgan (1996) suggests that socialisation involves social control and encouraging conformity. Parents will use positive sanctions to reinforce appropriate behaviour and also negative sanctions to discourage inappropriate behaviours. Therefore, as a result, a child begins to learn how to adapt their behaviour according to specific situations. Morgan suggests that the function of potty training within infants is to instil self-control of their bodily parts which then results in that child being accepted into society as a ‘civilised’ human being.

1996

Question 4

List the two forms of Social Control

Answer 4

Formal Social Control

Informal Social Control

Question 5

Define Formal Social Control

Answer 5

Formal social control is where behaviour is governed by written rules and reinforced by the government, laws, education, such as we have laws that govern what we can do in certain situations e.g not stealing

Question 6

Define Informal Social Control

Answer 6

Informal social control is based on unwritten rules whereby behaviour is governed by social expectations, such as swearing in a public place may be met with disapproval from those around you.

Question 7

Do all children learn in the same way?

Two Answers

Answer 7

No! Gender roles play a big part in the socialisation process. Parents will treat boys and girls differently, emphasising certain normative behaviour and values.

No! Also social class and ethnicity are also big influences on the process of socialisation

Question 8

Durkin’s Theory

What is the topic

Date

Describe

Answer 8

Durkin’s Theory

Topic: Gender Roles

Date: 1995

Durkin (1995) argues that most children have the ability to categorise themselves according to their gender by the age of 2-3years.

(Key studies to refer to later in the revision book are: Oakley, Statham, Parsons, Ansley.)

Question 9

What is the importance of feral children?

Answer 9

Feral (wild) children are evidence of the consequences where socialisation fails.