Agents of socialisation and social control

Overview

Primary and secondary socialisation through family, school, media and peers, Oakley's canalisation and manipulation, class and ethnic identity, the four perspectives, and formal and informal social control.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is socialisation?

   Model answer

   Socialisation is the lifelong process of learning the norms, values and roles of a society. People learn how to behave as members of their culture through socialisation.

2. 2

   What is the difference between primary and secondary socialisation?

   Model answer

   Primary socialisation takes place in the family during early childhood. Secondary socialisation continues later through agencies such as schools, peers, the media and the workplace.

3. 3

   How does the family act as an agent of socialisation?

   Model answer

   Parents teach children basic norms, language and values through example, praise and punishment. Children also learn by imitating the adults around them.

4. 4

   How does education act as an agent of socialisation?

   Model answer

   Schools teach knowledge and skills as well as norms such as punctuality and obedience to authority. The hidden curriculum passes on values that are not formally taught in lessons.

5. 5

   How do the media act as an agent of socialisation?

   Model answer

   The media present role models and ideas about how people should look and behave. Television, social media and advertising can reinforce or challenge stereotypes.

6. 6

   How does the peer group act as an agent of socialisation?

   Model answer

   Peer groups are people of a similar age and status, such as school friends. Peers use approval and ridicule to pressure members into following the group's norms.

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