Socialisation

Question 1

Formal curriculum

Answer 1

Subjects taught in school
Since 1988, this has been the National Curriculum
Argued by many as being ethnocentric.

Question 2

Informal curriculum

Answer 2

Also known as the “hidden curriculum”
Essential for transmission of norms and values crucial to survival and success in a classroom setting

Question 3

Education as an agent of socialisation
(Functionalist)

Answer 3

Functionalist theories see the role of education as being to select and prepare individuals into adult roles.

Question 4

Education as an agent of socialisation
(Marxist)

Answer 4

Marxist theorists see the role of the educational system as being mainly an ideological one. Its purpose is to ensure the reproduction of Capitalist society.

Question 5

The peer group as an agent of socialisation

Answer 5

The desire to belong to a group exerts powerful pressure on an individual to conform or “fit-in”
Peer group pressure is an important part of socialisation process and can be positive or negative

Question 6

Sewell (2000)

Answer 6

Uses the concept of “cultural comfort zone” to describe how peer groups tend to include people from similar social backgrounds

Question 7

The media as an agent of socialisation

Answer 7

The media can have subtle effects on our behaviour
The media therefore has a “drip” effect on us
The media is also very powerful in influencing consumer culture

Question 8

Religion as an agent of socialisation

Answer 8

Religions encourage individuals to follow moral codes and therefore promote particular values
Some religions have figures of authority who have huge influence over the values of their members

Question 9

Waddington

Answer 9

Informal socialisation within the police force
In this study Waddington implied that the “canteen culture” or hanging around after work, teaches police how to overcome tricky situations and helps them deal with their stressful job.