AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION
The Family
The Church
The School
The Workplace
The Government
Other:
AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION
Socialization
All humans grow up within society. From their society they learn to think and act
in certain ways. As children grow and develop from babies to adults, they are expected to
become participating members of their society. They are also expected to acquire certain
behaviour patterns, skills, values, and beliefs. This process is called socialization.
The social groups in one’s life that shapes your behaviour, values, and beliefs are
called the agents of socialization. The main agents of socialization are : Family, School,
Church, Workplace, and Government.
ACTIVITY
Step 1: In groups brainstorm the following for your agent:
a. What social skills does the agent teach me?
b. What kind of behaviour does this agent reinforce?
c. At my (AGENT), they value: _________________________
d. What are the beliefs taught to you by each agent?
Step 2: There is one box that is labeled ‘Other.’ List another important agent of
socialization. This should be another social group that is very important in shaping your
behaviour and beliefs? Answer the questions in ‘Step 1’ for the agent.
Step 3: Answer: Which agent taught you what you know about (one of the topics listed
below)? What was taught to you? Were the lessons accurate or correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Sex/intimacy
Gender roles
Drugs/Smoking/Alcohol
Minorities
Work Ethic
Violence
Beauty/What is attractive
Relationships
Intelligence
Fame
k. The Poor
l. Faith vs Proof
m. The Benefits of Education
n. Authority Figures
o. How to communicate
p. Conformity
q. Creativity
r. Leadership
s. Responsibility
Step 4: Discuss the following questions in your group.
a. Are there any behaviours, skills, values or beliefs that are more effectively taught
by your agent than any other? If so which one?
b. Are there any behaviours, skills, values, beliefs that are emphasized by your agent
that you do not follow or do not agree with?