The Powerful Role of Socialization Agents in Shaping Human Development

Abstract

Agents of socialization What is socialization? One can argue socialization is a process of continued learning throughout a human’s life. According to course readings 101 F22 TR ch5 (2022), this process is characterized by interaction whereby individuals learn to be proficient members of society. For this reason, one can confirm that socialization is a process that entails all activities of mixing socially with others. Through socialization, people learn to embrace acceptable behaviors within a society, enhancing peaceful coexistence throughout society. To this effect, though seen from the learning perspective, this process also entails teaching as people learn and teach others how to embrace positive behaviors and share them within communities for peaceful interactions. Through this social influence, people acquire a group's subculture or culture, which shapes their personal self and personality. However, unlike biology, which considers biological and social interactions shaping who humans are, the socialization concept only helps understand how people become functional in societies, thus the need to dig deeper into major triggers of human interactions that shape their personality in the long run. How do different sociologists argue sociology? According to Freud, the development of self, which defines socialization, remains linked to early sexual development (Course Readings, 101 F22 TR ch5, 2022). Based on this sociologist, developmental issues only occur when people skip or do not properly go through psychosexual stages. On the other hand, Erik Erikson pays special attention to social aspects of personality, like issues of desire versus what is socially accepted, while defining personality. Based on Erikson, the issue of development is more important than life course, while understanding personality which justifies socialization potentials in an individual. Therefore, one can conclude that different sociologists argue socialization from a different perspective, enhancing a deeper understanding of self before justifying what defines it in human development. What role do agents of socialization play in this process? While paying close attention to socialization agents, it is apparent that they entail a mix of social groups and institutions that enhance first experiences of socialization which is a major role in this process. For instance, one may wonder what families, peer groups, early education, or religions communicate to those who experience them in life. These social groups/institutions usually communicate expectations and reinforce norms to their targets. According to course readings 101 F22 TR ch5 (2022), people, institutions, and groups are the major socialization agents as they enhance members' interactions. However, peers, the media, families, total institutions, and schools also play a significant role as potential socializing agents or environments. Since socialization involves learning and teaching through interactions, one can argue that these agents transmit culture or subculture and pass it around, which is a significant role in the entire process of socialization. When people know about their culture, they pass it through to generations, enhancing value and respect for...