What is Socialization?
Socialization encumbers teaching and learning of norms, values and beliefs of people from any place in society. They could be part of any religion and any type of education. Socialization is about emotions, morality, gender roles and gender messages from our families encrusted since birth, gender messages from the media and our friends. It is how we act, without evening realizing it, in the society we are raised in. Hence, depending on where one is raised makes the difference in values, norms and life experiences. Our character is formed by socialization agents but, transforms throughout the course of life because, humans are not robots.
What are the primary agents of socialization? The family is one primary agent of socialization and the most important. Plays an important part in all kinds of cultures and ethnicities. The family nucleus raises their members by inculcating their specific norms and values, with the expected results that its members will better adapt to their society. Teaching them to socialize, integrate and be unique individuals in society. Yet, there are other institutions that play a role in the socialization of its family members such as children. Among them are day cares and, social activity clubs and summer camps just to name a few. Schools are another agent of socialization. Not only do schools teach children academic curriculum but also things a parent cannot see in an academic agenda. Since family life has changed so much during the years because both parents have to work in order to pay the bills and provide for the family teachers have taken part not only academically but in issues of discipline and self respect. Learning these values will not only make them better persons but will prepare them for what they will encounter in the real world such as their first job.
The neighborhood that a child grows up is considered an important agent of socialization as well. Since there are good