Socialisation Flashcards
Definition of Socialisation
Socialisation is the lifelong process through which individuals learn, internalise, and adapt to the norms, values, customs, and roles of their society. It is essential for maintaining social order and ensuring individuals function effectively within their culture.
Primary Socialisation
Definition: The first stage of socialisation, where children learn basic norms and values from family and close caregivers.
When: Early childhood (0-5 years).
Where: Family, early education settings.
Examples: Learning to speak, eating habits, right and wrong, gender roles.
Key Theorist:
Talcott Parsons (Functionalist) - Family is a “personality factory”, shaping children into socially accepted adults.
Ann Oakley (Feminist) - Identified four processes of gender socialisation:
1. Manipulation - Encouraging gender-appropriate behaviour.
2. Canalisation - Directing children to gendered toys.
3. Verbal Appellations - Using gendered language (e.g.,
”princess” for girls, “strong” for boys).
4. Different Activities - Assigning gendered tasks (e.g.,
girls help with housework).
Criticism: Dysfunctional families may fail to teach positive values, leading to deviance.
Secondary Socialisation
Definition: Learning and adapting to society’s norms beyond the family.
When: From childhood through adulthood.
Where: Schools, media, peer groups, workplaces, religion.
Examples: Learning discipline in school, workplace professionalism, social media influence.
Key Agents & Theorists:
Education: Bowles & Gintis (Marxist) - Schools teach a
hidden curriculum that promotes obedience to capitalism.
Peer Groups: Judith Harris - Peers influence behaviour more than parents.
Media: Baudrillard (Postmodernist) - Media creates ”hyperreality”, shaping identity and expectations.
Workplace: Goffman (Interactionist) - Workplaces enforce norms through codes of conduct.
Criticism: Postmodernists argue that traditional socialisation agents (e.g., religion, family) are losing influence, as people create their own identities.
Gender Socialisation
Definition: Learning gender roles based on societal expectations.
Examples: Boys encouraged in sports, girls praised for nurturing behaviour, women expected to do caregiving jobs.
Key Theorists:
Ann Oakley (Feminist) - Identified the four processes of gender socialisation.
Connell (1995) - Discussed hegemonic masculinity and femininity, reinforcing traditional roles.
Criticism: Postmodernists argue that gender roles are fluid, and society is more accepting of non-binary identities.
Resocialisation
Definition: Learning new norms and values when transitioning into a new role or lifestyle.
Examples: Prisoners reintegrating into society, soldiers adapting to civilian life, workplace training.
Key Theorist:
Erving Goffman (Interactionist) - Studied total institutions (e.g., prisons, military) where individuals undergo complete resocialisation.
Criticism: Resocialisation is not always successful-prisoners may struggle to reintegrate into society due to stigma and lack of support.
