4.4c Socialization in Schools
Schools also socialize children and adults. Teachers and other school officials, as well as peers, socialize students. In primary school, teachers socialize children into the norms of classroom behavior (like taking turns) and mainstream U.S. culture (such as patriotism). School-based socialization encourages normative behavior in the school setting and involves anticipatory socialization. Teachers may enforce rules to prepare students for the workplace. For example, a college teacher may have a strict attendance policy to align with the norms for entry-level careers.
How Schools Socialize Children
Harvey (2023) conducted ethnographic observations at two elementary schools over three years to understand how schools socialize children. One school was private and primarily served upper-middle class students; the other was public and served working-class students. Harvey interviewed 49 parents, 33 students, and 22 teachers and staff (101 total).
Harvey’s (2023) research shows how school-based socialization depends on school-type and the students’ sociodemographic characteristics. Private schools taught students they were “always-already special” because of their internal qualities (based on their family backgrounds). Public schools taught students they were “conditionally good” based on how well they followed the rules.
Rewards and Punishment
How students’ behavior was rewarded or punished also varied. The public school teachers used behavioral charts that tracked misbehavior, positive behavior, and sanctions (rewards or punishments). In contrast, the private school teachers used “take-a-break” to address misbehavior. Teachers asked the student to “take-a-break” in a designated spot in the classroom to refocus rather than punish negative behavior. These private school teachers also did not formally track behavior or sanctions.
Overall, private schools taught students they were special and had bright futures. In contrast, public schools taught students they faced challenges and that their future depended on their work. Harvey’s (2023) research demonstrates how socialization varies across schools based on the student body’s sociodemographic characteristics (like social class).
Photo 4.14
Students Learn to Raise Their Hand and Take Turns in Schools
