Primary and Secondary Agents of Socialization?
Primary Agents of Socialization are typically members of one's immediate, nuclear family. The most important primary agent of socialization is usually one's mother, although father is sometimes equally important, and older siblings can be very important. Secondary Agents of Socializaiton are typically: (1) Educational institutions, such as schools; (2) Peer groups, such as neighborhood friends and associates; (3) Mass media, for example television, radio, the internet, newspapers, and magazines; (4) Religion; (5) The Workplace, including co-workers and supervisors; and (6) Government, such as police officers, crossing guards, social workers, attorneys, and counselors.
Describe the various agents of socialization and why they are important?
Primary Agents The primary agents of socialization include those people who are closest to an individual. These primary agents include family and friends. The most important primary agent of socialization, family, plays an important role in shaping the life and behavior of an individual within the society. Secondary Agents The secondary agents of socialization are those institutions or places that help an individual find his place within the society. These include religious institutions, schools, work places, etc. The secondary agent of socialization, school, helps a child in improving social skills that helps the individual in integrating well with the society around him. Social Classes Social classes are those agents, that divide an individual within the society. These classes include the lower class, working middle class and the higher elite class.