WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology sample

Socialisation Socialisation refers to the process by which individuals learn the culture of their society. Individuals are socialised into the norms, values, roles and so on of their society and learn how to live in that society. Socialisation is carried out by the agencies of socialisation . These are the institutions that pass on the norms and values of society and include the family, peer group , education system, media, religion and work situation. Primary socialisation: family Knowledge Primary socialisation refers to the first stage of socialisation and it takes place in infancy. The family is probably the most important agent of primary socialisation as it is the first place of contact for the young baby. Socialisation starts virtually as soon as the child is aware of their circumstances. The family teaches the child the values, norms, skills and so on of that family and what is needed to live in that society, such as how to eat, walk, and dress themselves and to communicate with others. Primary socialisation can also soon include contact with other children, carers and the media. Without primary socialisation, the child would be unable to function in society. The family socialises its members in a variety of ways:  Parents will instruct and demonstrate to their children how to behave.  Children will begin to imitate the behaviour of those around them. Their parents will be their role models and the children will copy their actions. (A role model is someone who people look up to and whose behaviour they might copy.)  Parents might use sanctions . These are the reactions to behaviour that will either encourage or discourage that behaviour. Example Sanctions can be positive or negative. For example, if a child uses the potty as being taught, a parent might praise and reward the child, encouraging them to repeat the behaviour. However, if a child is cheeky to their parents, and so behaves against the ways being taught, they might receive a negative sanction such as being sent to sit on the ‘naughty step’. Secondary socialisation Knowledge Secondary socialisation refers to the second stage of the socialisation process after early childhood. Socialisation continues as children meet new situations such as starting school, joining clubs or starting a part-time job. Socialisation is a lifelong process. Institutions other than the family become increasingly important in children’s lives, such as education settings, the media, peers, religion and the workplace, and these continue the socialisation process. Key concepts and processes of cultural transmission 16 Chapter 1 WHAT AM I GOING TO LEARN? To understand the difference between primary and secondary agencies of socialisation. To learn how the agencies of socialisation transmit culture. Parents socialise their children into their norms and values regarding having meals together. Make a list of both positive and negative sanctions that the family might use for different age groups, such as infants, young children, young teenagers and 16–18-year-olds. What do you think?