While all people have the right to self-expression, sharing ideas, and acting according to their preferences, it is still vital to consider the interests and feelings of others. One’s behaviors, words, attitudes, or perceptions can severely impact another individual. Most people’s behaviors are spontaneous, and they hardly ever pause to consider how their actions may affect other members of society. However, it is of vital importance to make sure that one’s actions and words are ethical in order not to spread immorality and negativity.
Discussion
Some people argue that we cannot aid one person without damaging or failing to help another. This moral dilemma can be responded to by weighing good and evil and understanding that both the outcomes and the causes of actions matter morally. When a person is hurt, it is essential to analyze the whole situation and determine whether the harm is caused by a planned activity, like murder, or inaction, such as failing to save someone. Numerous reasons can cause the latter, and not all are immoral. For some noble purposes, an individual can let a specific evil befall someone even if they could never intentionally bring about that harm.
In everyday situations, it is crucial to control oneself and care about others’ feelings. For example, a manager in a company can experience personal drama, which makes him angry, disappointed, and stressed at work. If he is not mindful, calm, and ethical when communicating with his employees, it is possible that his feedback and recommendations are not perceived properly, and the team becomes demotivated.
Conclusion
While it is possible to understand and justify the manager’s feelings and behavior, it is still recommended that he considers the feelings of others and avoids hurting them when trying to get rid of his own negative emotions. In this case, there will be a favorable impact on his team, and all members will become more productive and motivated.
The debate about racial dominance in sports has been ongoing for several years. African-Americans, for example, are the dominant racial group in sports like basketball and football. According to Klimowicz (2018), 73.9% of the 2017-2018 NBA roster and 69.7% of the 2016-2017 NFL roaster were made up of African-Americans. However, in the lower leagues, African-Americans represent a relatively smaller percentage. In turn, there have been several studies aimed at understanding why African-Americans dominate specific sports at the professional level. While some might suggest it is genetics, others have suggested that the environment is the most important factor (Klimowicz, 2018), In the current research, it is suggested that environmental factors play a major role in the uptake of sports among minority groups.
Discussion
Arguably, environmental factors such as poverty play a major role in the uptake of sports among minority groups. Klimowicz (2018) indicates that most African-Americans see sports as a way out of poverty rather than a recreational sport. In his comparison of white and black athletes in sports such as basketball, Klimowicz (2018) observes that African-Americans are likely to come from poor backgrounds. In the study, it was revealed that white athletes are likely to come from hometowns where the per capita income is approximately $ 51,759 while African-Americans are likely to come from hometowns where the per capita income is $ 37,495. In terms of people living in poverty, white athletes come from hometowns where 7.6% of the individuals live in poverty while black athletes come from hometowns where approximately 11% of the people live in poverty. In turn, minority groups such as African-Americans see sports as a way of escaping poverty.
Parents from minority groups play an important role in ensuring that their children engage in sports. Because of the association between the environment and childhood behavior, most parents serve to ensure that their children can engage in sports because of developmental concerns (Klimowicz, 2018). This means that parents do not necessarily focus on the future stardom of their children but on their need to escape such environments. At some time in their development, parents can encourage their children to take up sports because of benefits such as college scholarships. The research by Klimowicz (2018) indicates that there is a decrease in the number of African-Americans in College Divisions 1, 2, and 3 because of the changes in scholarship structures. This is because, in Division I, colleges are allowed to offer several athletic scholarships as compared to Division II. In Division III, because scholarships are not permitted, African-American children see little benefits in college sports. In essence, parents are integral when it comes to the increase in the number of children from minority groups who engage in sports.
Youth coaches represent another agent of socialization that encourages children from minority groups to take up different types of sports. According to Klimowicz (2018), youth coaches focus on their status and recognition being associated with emerging talent. Like parents, they believe that playing a role in child development gives them the motivation to pursue long-term goals in sports. They provide structured programs where children from minority groups can engage in different types of sports. For example, Keith Dambrot has an elevated status in the basketball community because he influences Lebron James. Dambrot coached Lebron while he was still in high school and turn, James has acknowledged him as one of the most influential people in his career. In turn, youth coaches enhance skill development among children from minority groups because of the possibility of status elevation.
Accordingly, children from minority groups prefer sports that are less expensive because of their financial limitations. Basketball, track sports, and football represent some of the least expensive sports while ice hockey and skiing are some of the most expensive sports. Klimowicz (2018) observes that basketball requires only a pair of sneakers and a basketball while a pair of cleats is the only necessity in football as all other tools are provided by the teams. Lebron James represents one of the finest examples of why children from minority groups take up basketball because of financial constraints. Born of a teenage mother, James lived in Akron where they moved from apartment to apartment because of poverty (Klimowicz, 2018). He was later on sent to live with a football coach because he showed great interest in basketball. It was his youth coach who provided him with the relevant financial resources to engage in basketball. Overall, it is clear that African-Americans are likely to take up sports that have the lease financial requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, environmental factors play a major role in the dominance of African-Americans and other minority groups in sports such as basketball and football. According to the study, parents and youth coaches might be the most important agents of socialization during the development of African-American athletes. Parents push their children to take up sports to escape poverty while coaches engage the children because of the status associated with having coached a future star. Accordingly, African-Americans will take up sports such as basketball and football because of the minimal financial requirements when compared to other sports. Some of these sports require little financial investment and therefore provide an important opportunity for sports engagement.
Reference
Klimowicz, E. J. (2018). Nature or nurture? The concentration of African Americans in specific sports (Publication No. 690) [Doctoral dissertation, Gettysburg College]. Student Publications.
The existence of rules in society is one of its defining features, as most groups of people establish boundaries when they form a community. At the same time, breaking these rules is also an inherent part of any society. Rule-breaking is often more remembered in history than the countless incidents of following laws. This duality raises the question of whether the rules that exist at any given time are too restrictive for people to follow blindingly in real life. The answer to this inquiry can be similarly complex – following the rules as a general guideline may help people in some situations. However, changing the rules by breaking them is what defines human progress.
Various historical events demonstrate the fact that rules are temporary rather than permanent. This statement can refer to any sphere, including politics, sciences, and humanities. A notable example is the history of slavery and inequality in the world and the United States, in particular. The abolition of slavery, which was documented officially in 1865, did not happen due to people obeying the existing order but due to civil unrest and a collective refusal to follow the current rules.
Nevertheless, while some established rules are restrictive, others may guide people through the centuries and remain relevant to this day. One can recall the “Golden Rule,” which urges people to treat people in a way they would want to be treated by others. This phrase is not an official law, and one cannot be legally forced to follow it. However, it is a tenet passed down from generation to generation, and it remains one of the basic notions people refer to when making decisions and interacting with society.
To conclude, rules are an integral part of any society, whether written down and enforced or created as a result of coexistence. History continuously disproves the notion that laws are unchangeable, which means that breaking them is necessary for advancing society. At the same time, some rules may stay the same for a long time if they bring value and are not meaningless or harmful to the community.
Toys that I used to play with as a kid included kitchen sets, Barbie dolls, miniature toy superheroes, and toy cars. Children’s toys are rather gender-specific and should be used appropriately (Kendall, 2020). Kitchen sets were supposed to be played by girls, and toy cars were suited for small boys. The comprehension and connection with my kitchen set or Barbie dolls made me realize several issues during the game. I saw my parents, the activities they did with each other; I assumed I was playing them. I had it in my head that the mother was the primary caregiver. The mother feeds the children and the dad at home. In my play, I was in charge of the ‘kitchen’ and ‘toy children.’ I snapped when my sister came to my cafeteria because I thought it would be my fault if anything goes wrong. Pretending to play lets children discover their environment by leading to the development of strained connections. Nevertheless, it is often the things that have been learned and experienced that helps them learn to communicate with the community.
Taking part in young children’s games is essential for kids to engage and socialize with their friends to build confidence and personality. Importantly, they can thus demonstrate their abilities and learn from their peers when they are still young. Children commonly use toys to facilitate their encounters to form friendships (Ibáñez-Cubillas et al., 2017). A toy car was one of my favorite objects when I was younger. This specific toy car helped me to make friends with other children both in school and in the community. When I grew up, I was what people called the ‘tom boy,’ I opted to play with girls and not with boys. I have learned skills and ideas as well as how to connect to others through exchanging toys.
References
Ibáñez-Cubillas, P., Díaz-Martín, C., & Pérez-Torregrosa, A. B. (2017). Social networks and childhood. New agents of socialization. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 237, 64-69.
Kendall, D. (2020). Sociology in our times: The essentials (12th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Racial/ethnic socialization and parental involvement in education as predictors of cognitive ability and achievement in African American children.
Banerjee, M., Harrell, Z., & Johnson, D. (2009). Racial/ethnic socialization and parental involvement in education as predictors of cognitive ability and achievement in African American children. 40, 595-605.
Study design
In this article review, the type of study conducted was longitudinal since it involved phase III of research that was ongoing.
The purpose of the study was to determine the role of racial/ethnic socialization and parental involvement in education and its relationship to children’s cognitive outcomes over time among African American youth (Banerjee, Harrell, and Johnson, 2009).
Variables
In the study, the researchers used two predictor variables which were cultural socialization and parental involvement in education.
The dependent variable used was cognitive performance.
Operational definition of variables
Cultural socialization as a predictor variable involved the messages that children received from the parents with regard to race/ethnic considerations. It was measured using a scale that was administered to respondents in the study group. Parental involvement was basically the extent to which a parent indulged in the academic wellbeing of the child and was measured using parents’ report of ‘the parent-teacher school involvement’ (Banerjee et. al., 2009).
Cognitive performance being a dependent variable was the child’s ability to learn and it was measured using Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery which comprised a set of tests (Banerjee et. al., 2009).
Hypothesis
High parental involvement in education brought about better cognitive and academic performance based on reading and language. Interaction between parental involvement in education and racial/ethnic socialization was related to the children’s performance.
Results
The study found out that African American parents favored a variety of cultural experiences, knowledge and pride for their children.
The result supported the hypothesis partially. It proofed that there was no relationship between parental involvement and cognitive achievement and ability. Interaction between high cultural exposure and high parental involvement assisted in comprehension of passages.
Conclusions
The study targeted adolescents which means that it was crucial in analyzing the parents’ involvement in education for this volatile group (Banerjee et. al. 2009). The focus of the study was racial/ethnic socialization practices, cultural exposure, pride and heritage. Cultural exposure was necessary in comprehension of passage and it interacted well with parental involvement for academic improvement. In the study, it was noted that cultural socialization did not enhance cognitive outcomes. According to Thornton et. al. (2006) as cited by Banerjee et. al. (2009), race-based messages only served to protect the child and bring about self confidence.
Future studies should review the cultural socialization since it affects the child both psychologically and academically. Parental involvement in education alone does not improve academic achievements.
Critique
The study had its own limitations as noted by the researchers. First, the racial/ethnic socialization variables were restricted to one phase of data collection. The researchers ought to have collected data in two or three phases to cater for social changes according to Hughes and Johnson (2001) as cited by Banerjee et. al. (2009). Secondly, it did not examine the multiple dimensions of racial/ethnic socialization on a broader range of cognitive ability and achievement. This ought to have been done to get the effects of individual dimensions and the outcomes. Finally, the children did not give their responses with regard to the impact of their parents’ racial/ethnic socialization practices. If they did, it would have been crucial in getting the actual picture of the situation.
The researchers did not however exhaust all the limitations. I discovered that the study was limited to African American families. Other groups ought to have been included as they also practice racial/ethnic socialization. The study was also limited to academic performance and cognitive functioning as opposed to covering other spheres of life like interpersonal relationships.
Reference
Banerjee, M., Harrell, Z., & Johnson, D. (2009). Racial/ethnic socialization and parental involvement in education as predictors of cognitive ability and achievement in African American children. J youth adolescence. 40, 595-605.
This case study examines the arrangement of children who have a physical impairment and require improved socialization skills. Seven-year-old Cheri has been studying in first grade since she missed one year due to bone disease. The girls’ bones are fragile, and any even minor hit and push can damage them and cause a fracture (Evertson & Poole, 2002). For this reason, she was seated at the teacher’s desk to protect her from possible injuries.
However, Cheri, in such a place, cannot communicate with her classmates and improve her social skills. At the same time, interacting with peers helps her study better (Evertson & Poole, 2002). Therefore, the teacher needs to change the location of Cheri to the one where she can communicate with other children, but at the same time, remain protected. The case study offers three places from which a teacher needs to determine the most suitable.
The most appropriate place for Cherry is the corner seat at the table near the door as it provides easy access to the workplace, but the girl is among the children. In the picture, this seat is marked with the letter “C” (Evertson & Poole, 2002). Places “A” and “B” are too far from the front door, Cheri will have to pass two or three tables to get to them. At the same time, Cheri does not need to pass unnecessary obstacles to get to the first table in the classroom. In addition, the teacher’s desk is also in a straight line from Cheri’s place, but far enough to prevent crowding near the girl, so Cheri and the teacher have free space for movement. The trash bin is also far from Cheri, but within easy reach, so the girl herself can access it and will not run into children.
The seat “C” is also suitable for Cheri because she sits facing her classmate. This position is convenient for communication, as well as for listening to a teacher who is not far from the girl. Therefore, Cheri will be able to improve not only her communication skills but also her academic performance. The teacher can also take an additional measure for Cheri’s safety by warning children about the girl’s syndrome to avoid accidental injuries of her by classmates. Thus, the place at the table near the front door is the safest and most convenient for Cheri and contributes to the development of her communication skills.
Any idea or system of ideas drawn from life that one conceives as his/her own is regarded as the social self. Hedda (2005) defines social self as the persona which matches the demands of friends, family, society and community which a person develops as a protection. Within the general life, self feeling has its scope and the emotional aspects are well portrayed by personal impressions. The self is one’s true self and expresses one’s thoughts, desires, needs and feelings. It is always a conscious or differentiated aspect of individual’s life for it must be sustained by purpose and endeavor and it is reflected by how the individual’s character is perceived as well as mental contact. As revealed by Berger & Thomas (2003), William Shakespeare (the poet) observed that, “heaven divide the state of man in diverse functions, betting endeavor in continual motion,” and self-feeling is one of the means by which this diversity is achieved. Social self manifests itself where there exist objects of common desire which corresponds to the individual’s need of power to enhance his development. An individual creates a stable environment for his/her conduct and this happens as a result of inherent instability of the human organism. Man must direct and attend to his own drives. (Berger & Thomas, 2003) This strengthens the attentions and affections of other people where plans and ambitions which seem to be part of one’s life can well be understood. Social self and its derivatives should not be restricted to the lower aims of personality. It is difficult or impossible to act without thinking more or less of others. It is believed that the way we act or behave is usually influenced by people we have contact with day in day out. Where there is no interaction, there can be no development of thought and therefore we can argue that self cannot be separated from the general life. Thus social self can be said to be the part of the mind that is living and motivated in life in an effort to impress itself thus impacting upon others mind. It is highly unlikely for people to think about a thing that is not linked to others and which they are aware and incase they do then it is taken as definitely theirs.” Only in man does man know himself; life alone teaches each one what he is.” (Goethe, 1998) Social tends to lock everything else outside and consider the matters that only affect the individual. People regard themselves as the supreme in the society and the others do not matter as far as interests are concerned.
Socialization is the process of learning and understanding one’s culture and how to live accordingly. It provides the skills and behavior essential to the individual on participating and acting as per their culture and within their society. As noted by Berger & Luckmann (2003), it becomes impossible for man in isolation to produce human environment the same way it is impossible for man to develop as a man in isolation. It is achieved if values, social roles, moral norms, language, motives, symbols and attitudes are instilled in the society. Socialization predominantly in debates of family and education carries a lot of meaning. The blame on failure to develop socialization among individuals who contravenes social norms even after attending academic institutions is usually laid on family or the school. The manner in which individuals express their social identity have revealed increase acceptance of variety of family norms, in tolerance of variations and gender roles which is normally brought by socialization. It concerns the process by which children as well as adults learn from others. Socialization starts very early in life and it continues throughout one’s life unless there is some physical or mental disability that slows or puts the leaning process to a halt. People need to socialize because it is believed that “man is capable of forgetting his own authorship of the human world, and further, that the dialect between man, the producer, and his products is lost to consciousness.” (Berger & Luckmann, 2003).
Socialization is fun especially when we learn something new from others or when we benefit. At other times, it can be painful when actions of others inflict pain on us or affect our daily routine negatively. Socialization can be categorized according to how they are learned. That is, natural socialization comes as a result of individuals exploring, and discovering the social world surrounding them without the influence of others. Planned socialization comes when individuals influence others through taking actions that are aimed at teaching and training them. Both natural and planned socialization may start from infancy period. We should not forget that both planned and natural socialization can have positive and negative effects. Therefore, individuals need to learn positive features of both planned and natural socialization and incorporate them into our lives. Positive socialization is based on pleasurable and exciting experiences that we learn or obtain from other people. One tends to socialize with people who provide positive motivation, rewarding opportunities and loving care. Negative socialization is as a result of harsh treatment, use of punishment or anger from others. This makes one to dislike the people who treat them badly as well as negative socialization. Positive socialization makes one happier particularly after learning useful information that helps them to cope well with challenges of life. People may feel unhappy, defeated or pessimistic about life if the negative socialization exceeds positive socialization. To reduce the ratio of negative socialization then we should do to others what we would like them to do unto us. Though negative socialization is criticized Clausen (1998) observes that, through painful training individuals can be acquire necessary preparations and be ready to fight and die in battle, and rescuing others through enduring torture and hardship situations. To my opinion, this is true but I think fewer people need training relating to torture and hardship in battle, because majority receives more negative socialization than they need. Socialization can be a powerful tool for promoting human development. If people use wisdom that comes from valuable information about living and encouragement from others, then I believe they can develop a better society. In everyday life, we need to create as many good social experiences as possible for this will help us to live happily thereafter by taking our human potential and develop the happy and creative sides. The relationship between socialization and social self is that the latter help the individual to interact and socialize freely with one another. The two are inseparable in that for one to socialize he/she must be having ideas which conform to those of another. Social self therefore we can say is the one that makes or helps the individual to identify themselves and act accordingly. According to Berger & Luckmann (2003), social self and socialization are intricately interwoven. The experiences learned from the society determine whether the individual will socialize with others positively or negatively. Also for one to socialize he/she must have possessed thoughts, desires, needs and feelings to socialize and this are components of social self. To summarize, research have shown that socialization can have significance effect in the society which can either ruin or build one’s personality.
Work Cited
Chinoy E. Society: An introduction to sociology, New York: Random House, 2001.
Clausen, J. Socialization and Society, Boston: Little Brown and Company, 1998.
Goethe, A. The Social Self, New York: Random House, 1998.
Hedda, G.The Social Construction, Boston: Little Brown and Company, 2005.
Peter L. Berger & Thomas L, The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the sociology of knowledge. New York: Harvard University Press, 2003.
It can be difficult to understand who you really are in terms of some psychological terms. However, in terms of social roles, it can be quite easy to describe a person. Karp, Yoels, Vann, and Borer (2016) state that people can be considered in terms of such dimensions as the family, education, culture, ethnicity, membership in various subgroups, and so forth. For example, I am an adult who has certain responsibilities and roles.
It is possible to start with the description of family roles. I am a daughter and a sister. At present, I am a college student, which makes me a part of several groups. Apart from being a member of the student community, I am a part of a movement aimed at improving our society. I am also an athlete, so I also pertain to the world of sport. Of course, I am a friend who also has various responsibilities such as supporting my friend, helping her whenever she needs my aid, going out and the like. I am also a female, which makes me face many challenges and enjoy numerous opportunities. Finally, I am a part of the so-called middle class, which means that I have access to numerous resources such as high-quality medical services, education, good food and dwelling, and so forth.
Another way to view an individual is to analyze this person’s status. In my family, I am the only person to study at a higher educational establishment. My sister is still at school. Therefore, I have a status of a highly educated person who knows the ropes in the academic world. Although there is some exaggeration in this statement and we make fun of this in my family, I still enjoy a certain status. I am a loyal friend, smart and reliable, which makes my friends respect me. Hence, my friendship status is quite high. I am a high-achiever (at least, I am trying to do my best to study well) so I also have quite a high status among my peer students and teachers who know that I am diligent and intelligent. I also have a high rank in our little feminist society. As for my socioeconomic status, it is high as I know many people who do not have the things I possess and have limited opportunities as well.
All in all, I can note that my social position is favorable and enables me to become a successful member of the American society. I perform various roles and have quite high statuses. Some of these responsibilities and ranks could be regarded as inherited, so-to-speak, as my parents ensured a certain basis for my present achievements. However, I also achieved a lot in the course of my socialization due to my characteristic features.
Family
As has been mentioned above, many factors affect the process of people’s socialization. I believe family, school, peers, and mass media have been the most influential agents that have shaped my development. I was raised with the focus on strong moral principles and family values, so the family is the major social unit, as I see it. According to the functionalist approach, all systems seek harmony and can be self-regulated (Craib, 2015). I believe my family is an illustration of this paradigm. We try to help each other and listen or rather hear each other. My moral development is largely defined by my family experiences.
Of course, there are instances of conflict, but I would not apply the Marxist view to these situations. There can be some rivalry, at least, there was when my sister and I were little girls, but we still understand that we should always collaborate and find solutions. This kind of family environment made me a person who tries to find compromise and make the world a better place. I think that the entire society can transform and become almost ideal as my family is a perfect system.
School
At the same time, I understand that the society is far from being a harmonized system. My school life can be described as a period of certain re-socialization. I developed a slightly different view concerning the environment. School is one of the illustrations revealing some peculiarities of the contemporary world, which is good as new generations have a chance to understand what their adult life will be. School (as well as adult life, career life and so forth) can be best analyzed in terms of the Marxist framework. People struggle for resources that can be quite scarce (Ritzer & Stepnisky, 2017). The competition was quite stiff in my school, and as I was a high-achiever, I had to compete with my peers. Sports events and various academic contests made me prepared for the fierce struggle for very limited resources. At that, I also tried to come to win-win situations in many cases, which made me less successful as I wished to be.
Peers
Apart from school, my peers have had a considerable influence on me and the process of my socialization. I have many friends and become a member of different subgroups. For instance, my love for sports is what unites me with my best friend. Music is the glue that makes me close to another person. I even tried to be in a girls’ band. Peer pressure has sometimes shaped my behaviors although I am quite an independent person who does not follow trends.
One of the examples of the impact peers had on me is the way I talk in informal situations. I also watch films and read books, news, blogs to be aware of the latest trends to be able to talk about different issues with my peers. This sphere of my life can be characterized by the concepts of the social action theory. According to this paradigm, people often act in accordance with certain conventions or expectations inflicted by a group or other individuals (Craib, 2015). Although I always try to think critically and have my own perspective, my peers still have a considerable influence on me and my actions, making them social action.
Another important thing my peers helped me realize is the fact that the world is gender-polarized. There is often a division in boys and girls even in the democratic American society. Some activities are implicitly and explicitly assigned to people in accordance with their gender rather than capabilities or preferences. Some feminist theories are too radical, but overall feminism provides a correct picture of the world. According to this theoretical framework, females do not have equal rights with men and even seen as inferior to males (Ritzer & Stepnisky, 2017). Clearly, this is specifically conspicuous in such spheres as employment, but it became quite obvious during my school years.
Mass Media
Finally, mass media can be seen as one of the most influential factors that affect people’s socialization in the modern world. Social networks, Hollywood, news media bombard people with various messages, and individuals often adopt the views promulgated. I am also affected by the media. For instance, the recent series of sex scandals in the world of cinematography and politics made me and the circle mentioned above start working on a campaign against abuse and exploitation of female sexuality. According to post-modernist perspectives, the world can hardly become a better place as people are now focused on the present rather than the future (Craib, 2015). Researchers and practitioners try to find ways to empower some groups. I take some of these concepts on board and agree to pay more attention to the present, which makes me very active in our endeavor. Therefore, my activism is one of the examples of the effects the media can have on people.
Conclusion
As a concluding remark, I would like to note that the process of my socialization started years ago, and it will not be over. I will be affected by people, groups, ideas, and worldviews. I will develop social ties and be a part of the society. Although postmodernists are rather pessimistic about the future of the humanity, I believe that I, as well as people like me, will make the world a better place in the near future. I am sure about that as I also have a certain influence on people. Someday, I may even shape the way millions think or act.
References
Craib, I. (2015). Modern social theory (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Karp, D. A., Yoels, W. C., Vann, B. H., & Borer, M. I. (2016). Sociology in everyday life (4th ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.
Ritzer, G., & Stepnisky, J. (2017). Modern sociological theory (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Socialization is the assimilation of social experience and the training of an individual in social roles and behavior, without which they cannot become a full-fledged member of society. The agents of socialization of the individual are the immediate environment, which has a direct impact on her: family, parents, friends, peers, teachers, coaches, etc. Agents of socialization, being in direct interaction with a person, play a crucial role in how a person grows up and how their formation will occur.
The Internet as a means of socialization of young people has a significant impact on their personality and morale. For some people, the Internet is a virtual world into which they enter, which also gives them additional freedom to express their emotions, feelings, life positions, moods, and views. Under the influence of the Internet and social networks, people’s communication began to change. For instant messaging to occur, young people started to significantly shorten words, which impacted their knowledge of linguistic norms and rules of their native language. In addition, the Internet and social networks can bring a lot of stress, resulting in people becoming aggressive, nervous, and irritable (Kendall, 2013). Nevertheless, social networks and Internet access have their advantages, for example, they allow people to communicate at many thousands of kilometers. They can share their experience and culture, broaden their horizons, and increase their knowledge base.
Grandparents did not have access to the Internet and social networks, and respectively, they were dominated by live communication. There were correspondence clubs where they could communicate with foreigners through paper letters. Undoubtedly, at that time, it was pretty convenient and acceptable since there was no other possibility. With the advent of the Internet, communication has become much easier, but the level of stress and fatigue has also begun to increase. Some people use social networks and the Internet too actively, and in the pursuit of popularity, many of them are prone to depression, procrastination, and suggestibility. In conclusion, the Internet plays a significant role in the socialization of a person and helps them not only to communicate but also to gain new knowledge.
Reference
Kendall, D. (2013). Sociology in our times. Wadsworth Publishing.
Socialization is one of the most important factors in the life of an individual. Some of the socializing agents include the family, the school, religion, and the peer group. These socializing agents play a crucial role in shaping my life in college.
My family is relatively large considering that it is an extended family. My parents have always instructed me to be social to other relatives, friends, and neighbors. We frequently visit other relatives, including aunts and uncles. My uncles and aunts visit us regularly to discuss matters affecting the larger family.
My parents have always been nice to my friends since they have never questioned their credibility. When I bring them home, they always receive warm treatment from my parents. During holidays, I visit my cousins and spend some time with them talking about issues affecting the youths in the modern society. They would also come to visit me often, especially during the weekends.
My parents have always cherished holiday trips. They usually take the whole family to various places within the country during holidays. From my parents’ experience, I have come to appreciate the importance of unity and cooperation in the family.
I have learned that any close friends should be treated as members of the extended family. This has helped me to achieve my educational dreams. I find it easy to socialize with other members of society, given the fact that my family has a number of friends. The church has played an important role in ensuring that my family lives peacefully.
During the early years of education, I learnt through my teachers that teamwork plays a critical role in achieving various objectives. This has helped me in my group discussion. My age mates have influenced my life positively because I have learned acceptable lifestyles from them. I find life in college much easier because of the above socializing agents.
Summary
The focus will be on my family. My family has influenced my life in a number of ways. My family helped me in acquiring values that are respected by many members of the extended family. My family believes in socialization because it is always willing to learn new things in life. My parents have always insisted that one should always take care of other people who are not members of the family because they might be of help in the future.
My mother has always insisted that I should know people and learn to respect them because they will be of help one day. I have learned through my family that I have a responsibility of ensuring that I create a conducive environment that would make everyone feel respected and loved.
My father advises me that I should be the caretaker of my friends, not because I expect the same from them, but because it is my responsibility to do so. My parents have always insisted that I have to pray regularly because it would help me to develop spiritually. These values have defined my personality even at the college level.
My family instilled the above norms directly and indirectly. My parents would teach me how to talk to adults, peers, and younger relatives and friends. They also taught me how to keep time by helping me in writing the timetable.
The way my parents related to other family members and friends taught me how I should behave. This means that children should watch their parents and try to emulate their behavior because this is how I gained the family culture. My family has always worked tirelessly to develop my character. My family has been the major source of inspiration in my entire life.
My parents are my role models, and I have tried to behave like them in my life. They are selfless and are always ready to help anyone in need. They have taught me to emulate perfect habits from them. Through their constant encouragement and teachings, I have acquired my current personality.
This shows that various socializing agents play different roles in character development. However, the family is the most important because it is the primary socializing agent. It influences the behavior of a child directly. Other agents influence the behavior of a child indirectly.