Agents of SocializationSociology

Agents of SocializationAgents of Socialization: People or groups

that affect our self-concept, emotions, attitudes, behaviors, or other orientations toward life.

The FamilyThe family is the first group to have a major

impact on the development of our “self” Family and Social Class

Discipline: style varies between social classesSkills: what is important?Development: how involved are the parents?

The NeighborhoodPoor Neighborhoods vs. Wealthy

Neighborhoods

ReligionReligion influences values

Day CareChildren who attend daycare are more likely

to…

Have weaker bonds with their mothersHave higher language skills“smart but mean” children

The SchoolLatent Functions

Hidden curriculum Not taught explicitly Stories used in English may bring ideas of

democracy or justiceCorridor Curriculum

What students teach each other

Peer GroupsFamily influence declines as

children are exposed to more agents of socialization

Influence of peer groups can be dominating and extend to violating social norms

SportsTeach values as well as physical skills Profound effect on self-image

WorkplaceEarly jobs teach us skills and influence our

view of the world Anticipatory Socialization

Learning to play a role before entering it Work can become part of our self-image