4.4a Agents of Socialization

People are socialized in various settings by many groups or agents of socialization. The youngest members of society experience socialization through their families, schools and daycares, peers, religion, neighborhoods, playgroups, and the media. Each of these institutions, organizations, and informal groups communicates the group’s culture.

The culture taught by these different groups sometimes conflicts. For example, the first language children learn is the one their families speak at home. In contrast, the language used in school may be a different language or the same one but standardized. Many agents of socialization influence language acquisition. For instance, media introduce new ways of using language.

Photo 4.12

Children Learn Standard English in Most U.S. Schools