SOCIALIZATION & AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION

Socialization is the process through which an individual inherits the norms, customs and ideologies of the social order in which they live.

Socialization is necessary in order to make an individual capable of interacting within a society. It is a lifelong process where one keeps learning and developing oneself as a human being.

An individual learns socialization through the agents of socialization. An individual responds differently to different agents of socialization.

The main agents of socialization are:

Family – is the most important agent of socialization. It helps mould an individual. Family values, beliefs, religious inclinations and political views shape an individual’s outlook towards society. Parents are the biggest influencers in the social development of children.

School – is the next important influencer after the family. Schools help impart knowledge, create awareness and inculcate the feeling of tolerance in individuals. Schools form the second step in socialization as a child now meets different children and learns to adapt as well as understand right and wrong, good and bad.

Community and culture – help an individual interact with other individuals with a similar mind set / ideology. This helps pass on religious views as well as cultural traditions.

Peers / friends – Meeting like minded people, making friends and hanging out are part of an individual’s way of making social contact. Peers / friends have an impact on the thoughts and ideas of individuals. Individuals also learn to behave in a manner that will be acceptable to their peers. This is an important aspect of socialization.

Mass media – Today people are strongly influenced by mass media. Political, religious and social views are enforced through repeated exposure and arguments put forth by agents of mass media.

The different positive attributes fed by agents of socialization create harmony in an individual and makes him feel confident. It also enables individuals understand and respect social etiquette.

Thus the agents of socialization play an important role in an individuals life.