Socialisation Flashcards
What is the definition of socialisation?
How people learn to ‘fit-in’ to society. The process by which individuals learn the norms and values of society.
What is primary socialisation?
The period early in a person’s life (0-4) during which they initially learn and build themselves through experiences and interactions around them. The primary agents is the family (also argued it is the media).
What is secondary socialisation?
Comes after primary socialisation. Children start school and are therefore socialised by their peers. Other secondary agents are the media, religious groups, workplace and education.
How does the family socialise children?
Children internalise (take in) norms and values by imitating their parents and siblings.
Children are rewarded for socially acceptable behaviour, punished for unacceptable or ‘deviant’ behaviour (discipline).
The family influences how children view their culture and the society in which they live.
How does education socialise people?
Education system aims to pass on knowledge and skills (e.g. reading & numeracy), learning these is a part of socialisation.
There is the formal curriculum - English, maths, science etc.
There is the informal/hidden curriculum - Rules, norms, values (behaviour, respect, issues such as orderly conduct etc.)
Learn to belong to an orderly group, learn importance of hierarchies etc.
How does the mass media socialise people?
Powerful ways of influencing the audience - news reports, magazines, advertisement, soaps, films.
Influences gender identities - how men/women are ‘expected’ to behave, dress etc.
Through watching the news we learn about deviant groups and how not to behave (social control) e.g. criminals.
The media is not always positive - many argue it creates stereotypes.
How does religion socialise people?
Religion often provides social norms and values (e.g. ten Commandments, ‘thou shalt not murder’)
Religions oppose things like theft, murder, promiscuity and adultery.
Many religions have dress codes to follow and dietary laws which affects an individuals norms and values.
How does the workplace socialise people?
You learn the norms and values of the workplace.
How much you can get away with - observing colleagues, asking for help.
Induction training, health and safety.
Learning what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
How do peer groups socialise people?
Made up of people of a similar status - the peer group can influence norms and values.
Positive peer pressure - friends are a good influence (studying, exercise).
Negative peer pressure - drugs, smoking, etc.
Peer groups can encourage conformity and deviance.
Not just youth peer groups, adult peer groups are also an influence.
