Intro to Contemporary Society
To ask any person what family means in contemporary society is to take a glimpse into the multitude of terms describing family forms, that is; “household, couple family, nuclear family, extended family, single-parent family, blended families and stepfamilies” (Germov & Poole, 2007). Therefore regardless of how a family is structured an integral component that each one of these families has is the role they play in the socialisation process. That is, every person’s life from the time they are born till the time they pass will be encompassed with acquiring what is their cultural “norms, values, beliefs, attitudes and language” (Gecas, 2001, p. 2855). In doing so the individuals self and personality will be formed and moulded.
For the purpose of this essay I will concentrate on the significance of family in the socialisation process and three facets for which family is central, they are: behaviour, development and gender roles. Predominately, the three aspects will focus on the primary socialisation that focuses on the progression of one’s development. It will examine the nuclear family diversity within family socialisation and describe how different family types socialise. Finally it will briefly discuss the change in family roles within contemporary society.
Socialisation is a continual process of cultural diffusion that recognises social identities, roles and personal behaviours that an individual will learn so to become a member of society (Scott, 2006). Every individual begins the process of socialisation within the early years of personhood within the context of their family. Our parents, siblings, grandparents and extended immediate family are our primary agents, who develop our knowledge and skills through a variety of actions (Scott, 2006).
Therefore the family in the socialisation process is the most influential and essential for a child’s development. A newly born baby is not a very social being; it is the parents’ role to train the baby and to
For the purpose of this essay I will concentrate on the significance of family in the socialisation process and three facets for which family is central, they are: behaviour, development and gender roles. Predominately, the three aspects will focus on the primary socialisation that focuses on the progression of one’s development. It will examine the nuclear family diversity within family socialisation and describe how different family types socialise. Finally it will briefly discuss the change in family roles within contemporary society.
Socialisation is a continual process of cultural diffusion that recognises social identities, roles and personal behaviours that an individual will learn so to become a member of society (Scott, 2006). Every individual begins the process of socialisation within the early years of personhood within the context of their family. Our parents, siblings, grandparents and extended immediate family are our primary agents, who develop our knowledge and skills through a variety of actions (Scott, 2006).
Therefore the family in the socialisation process is the most influential and essential for a child’s development. A newly born baby is not a very social being; it is the parents’ role to train the baby and to
References: Gecas, V. (2001). Socialisation: Encyclopedia of Sociology (Vol. 4, 2nd ed., pp. 2855- 2864). Retrieved from http://www.gale.cengage.com Germov, J., & Poole, M. (2007). Public sociology: An introduction to Australian society. Sydney, Australia: Allen & Unwin. Grusec, J. E., & Hastings, P. D (2007). Handbook of socialisation: Theory and Research. New York, NY: Guilford Publications. Hoffman, L. W. (1977). Changes in family roles, socialisation, and sex differences. American Psychologist Journal, (August), 644-657. Holmes, M. (2007). What is gender?. London, England: Sage Publications. Plummer, K. (2010). Sociology: The basics. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Poole, M. (2005). Family: Changing families, changing times. NSW, Australia: Allen & Unwin. Rapoport, R., & Rapoport, R. N. (1982). Families in Britain. London: Routledge Rollins, B. C., & Thomas, D. L. (1979). Parental support, power, and control techniques in the socialisation of children. New York, NY: Free Press Strickland, B. (2001). Socialisation: The Gale Encylopedia of Psychology (2nd ed, pp. 607- 609). Retrieved from http:www.gale.cengage.com