Agencies of Socialisation How are we trained to become the people that we are? Socialisation is the process by which we learn “culture” or “subculture” In other words socialisation is the process by which the ideas and values by which we live are internalised Education Forum

There is one agent of primary socialisation :The family A agency of primary socialisation Functionalists say it transmits societies core values. Marxists agree but say core values are the values of capitalism which prepares workers for capitalism. Feminists agree but argue core values oppress women and are designed to perpetuate this oppression. Education Forum

There are many agents of secondary socialisation Secondary socialisation comes after primary socialisation and builds on it. It is carried out by many agents including: Mass media peer group Religion Education Youth culture Education Forum

Mass media The term refers to forms of communication that reach vast numbers of people. Core values are transmitted through the mass media. Some would claim they are“biased values” Education Forum

Peer group Your peer group is those of similar age and status (see left!).. Your peer group may establish a “sub culture” - sometimes a deviant counter school one! Education Forum

Religion Religion is a major force for socialisation because it can embody the moral principles of a society. Marx considers it to be a form of anaesthetic for workers against the pain and exploitation of capitalism. Education Forum

Education This is a major agency of socialisation. Bowles and Gintis point out that education transmits far more than knowledge, but also a set of values and ideas that are difficult to contradict. He called this the ‘hidden curriculum’. Education Forum

Youth culture Fashion can be a powerful agency of socialisation for young people in the development of subcultures Ideas and values as well as clothes are transmitted via music, art and magazines. Education Forum

Politics Marxists claim we are sold political opinions via the mass media. We are taught to consider certain issues as ‘problems’ and then to disregard others. All mainstream politicians and parties tend to pro capitalist! Alternative systems are not on offer at elections. Education Forum

Police and legal systems We are taught a sense of right and wrong via the operation of the legal system. Marxists claim that the law imposes a set of values on us. Most Laws protect private property! Education Forum

Further Tasks Look up socialisation (primary and secondary), culture and subculture in your textbooks . Write clear and accurate definitions of these terms in your Key Words books Complete this exercise on the Hidden Curriculum in schools Education Forum

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