Agents of Socialization

Agents of Socialization Socialization is a process whereby people acquire social skills that assist them in interacting with different social groups. This knowledge is important when interacting with people with common cultures, beliefs, values, and norms. It is essential because it equips an individual with skills for efficient communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal interactions.

Family is the first social group and the most important agent of socialization. It begins when the fetus is still in her mother s womb. As the fetus grows, he/she learns different voices, music, and body movement that he/she will use after birth and continues throughout life. The family will help the child understand the basic and necessary things for survival, such as; eating, walking, talking, playing, asking for help, and interacting with people around them. Without this basic skill, life would be unbearable for the kid.

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Research has shown that family is one of the most important agents of socialization. For example, children with supportive and involved parents are less likely to engage in adolescent drinking behaviors than those who do not have such support (Barnes, Farrell &Cairns, 1986).

As children grow, he/she will also be introduced to religion. It is an important social group that will impart the kid with beliefs, norms, and values that are important when interacting with different people from different backgrounds in society. Once the kid starts to attend and participate in various religious classes, he/she will start to develop a particular set of beliefs, rituals, and values. In time he/she will be able to interact and communicate efficiently with people having the same values and beliefs.

For example, a child raised in a religion where eating pork is prohibited and it is customary to take off shoes when entering a house may grow up with the repulsed idea of eating bacon and keeping sneakers on at home regardless of whether or not they are still religious (Handel, 2011).

Peers are another agent of socialization. Children need friends to interact and spend quality time together as they grow up. These are people with similar interests, backgrounds, age group, and socioeconomic status.

While playing, they learn different ways of doing things from their friends, different modes of communication, and also solving simple puzzles together. Over time when they reach teenage, they'll start to develop a unique identity and personality that is different from their parents, which will help to achieve some level of independence.

Peer groups significantly influence psychological and social adjustment for group individuals. They provide perspectives outside of the individual's viewpoints. Members inside peer groups also learn to develop relationships with others in the society system. Peers, particularly group members, become important social referents for teaching members customs, social norms, and different ideologies (Agents of Socialization" 2023)

References Barnes, G. M., Farrell, M. P., & Cairns, A. (1986). Parental socialization factors and adolescent drinking behaviors. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 27-36.

Handel, G. (Ed.). (2011). Childhood socialization. Transaction Publishers.

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