Section Overview
This section delves into the essential process of socialization, which plays a formative role in acquainting individuals with social interactions and the complexities of life, from the family level to larger societal institutions. It begins by highlighting the lifelong process of socialization that shapes our understanding of societal norms and material culture, influenced significantly by various social factors, including social class, race, and religion. The section proceeds to emphasize the crucial role of families and peer groups in imparting social norms and shaping identities, acting as primary agents of socialization. The importance of institutions like schools, workplaces, religious organizations, governments, and the media is also explored, each playing a distinct role in imparting societal norms and expectations, fostering shared values, and impacting our understanding of culture. Finally, the section underscores the lifelong nature of socialization, which is influenced by age norms, societal expectations, and milestones that require adjustments to new roles and behaviors.
Reading Assignment for Section 3.5
Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 3.5: Socialization Through Life.
What You Will Learn
In this section, you’ll understand the lifelong nature of socialization and its role in shaping our comprehension of societal norms and material culture. You’ll learn about the significant influence of family and peer groups in socialization, and how factors like race, social class, and religion affect this process. Additionally, you’ll explore the impact of institutions such as schools, workplaces, religious organizations, governments, and the media on our social development.
Student Learning Outcomes for Section 3.5
- SLO 1: Understand the concept of socialization, its lifelong nature, and its role in shaping understanding of societal norms and material culture.
- SLO 2: Recognize the family’s and peer groups’ significant roles in socialization and how various social factors such as race, social class, and religion influence this process.
- SLO 3: Grasp the impact of institutions such as schools, workplaces, religious organizations, governments, and the media on our social development.
- SLO 4: Comprehend the concept of the ‘hidden curriculum’ in schools and how workplaces necessitate additional socialization to adapt to different environments.
- SLO 5: Acknowledge the ongoing nature of socialization influenced by age norms, societal expectations, and milestones that require adjustments to new roles, and understand the concepts of anticipatory socialization and resocialization.
Modification History File Created: 05/07/2023 Last Modified: 06/26/2023
This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.
