Category: Socialization

Introduction

Statistics show that individuals change their jobs close to six times, and most of those in this group are between the age of 18 years and 24 (Vandenberghe et al., 2021). Newcomer turnover refers to the total number of new employees who quit working at various organisations over a particular time (Vandenberghe et al., 2021). It is important to address the issue of newcomer turnover as it can lead to a poor image in the labour market. This could, in turn, result in rival organisations having a better workforce which is a competitive advantage for them.

When it comes to socialisation, organisations can use different tactics, for example, giving the responsibility of familiarising a new employee with the environment to someone already employed (Kowtha, 2018). Such a technique has not worked in integrating an individual into the culture of a company since it does not allow people to interact naturally. Discouragement of gossip has led to a lack of a starting point for forming friendships that grow deeper with time between colleagues. This can change by encouraging individuals to participate in activities that bring them closer to one another. Organisational socialisation refers to learning as well as adjusting in a manner that enables one to assume a workplace role and resolve role uncertainty, thus entering the workforce successfully (Kowtha, 2018).

Some of the organisational socialisation tactics include mentoring, seeking information from peers, and role negotiation, which is a technique for improving new professionals’ comprehension of others’ roles (Kowtha, 2018; LaGree & Olsen, 2022). These are important to ensure that newcomers feel included and, thus, create a peaceful environment that leads to improvement. By implementing these techniques, companies instrumentalize colleague and managerial behaviour to support the association between different individuals in the workforce and newcomers’ understanding of their roles; in social tactics, newcomers receive social support from coworkers and supervisors (Kowtha, 2018). This essay aims to critically evaluate the impact socialisation tactics such as informal mentorship and other socialising influences such as colleague behaviour can have on newcomer turnover.

Socialisation Tactics

The more particular connection between newcomer adjustment, tactics as well as workforce outcomes differ by the technique someone uses to interact. The ones most strongly linked to results include support from longer-tenured employees and that from new workers’ skills, attitudes, and abilities. Chi et al. (2020) claim that due to this, it is necessary that all companies promote connections between employees. Some of the strategies to apply consist of job shadowing, offering a positive and consistent opinion on newcomers’ performance, and validating their identities.

Job shadowing is similar to employee training, whereby the newcomer works closely with the experienced worker at an organisation and understands how to accomplish different tasks. For instance, in the case of a new lawyer employed in a firm, someone else who has been undertaking cases and has a record of winning is responsible for teaching a newcomer about the job. According to Chalim (2018), while learning, the parties involved form a bond due to interaction. On the one hand, when the method of training is utilised well, it becomes easier for the newly-employed to enjoy their new environment and plan to remain there long-term and thus, less turnover.

On the other hand, if not done properly, it may create a negative impression of the organisation on the newcomer, which might result in their early quitting the job. For someone who is new in a workplace environment, offering a positive and consistent opinion on newcomers’ performance and validating their identities means that trust. According to Peltokorpi et al. (2022), this is indicative of the surroundings being conducive and people willing to work with them towards meeting organisational objectives. No single employee desires to have a job in a place that discourages them and causes their motivation to lessen. When the work can sustain their morale, then it becomes easier for them to remain there long-term (Omilion-Hodges et al., 2019). The socialisation tactics in the workplace can be grouped into individualised and institutionalised.

On the one hand, the institutionalised strategy offers newcomers data in an organised manner and reduces their level of anxiety in them. By using this method, the norms and values of the company can be transferred to the new individual more sophistically (Lee et al., 2019). It has a positive impact on custodial role orientation, organisational commitment, job satisfaction as well as proactive socialisation behaviour (Chiu et al., 2018). Moreover, the technique has a negative effect on the ambiguity of the role of new employees, intention to quit the job, and role disputes.

On the other hand, by utilising the individualised strategy, the socialisation process in a company is characterised by an absence of structure and away toward sink-or-swim. In an organisation that applies this technique, newcomers are usually beginning to work instantly after employment. According to Farid (2019), it is expected of them to understand the required capabilities and working approaches and data concerning the workplace without being offered assistance from an organised program. As the settings are defined by an informal approach, newcomers ought to have a more proactive character to comprehend the organisation’s circumstances and anticipations (Park et al., 2018). Nevertheless, the tactic offers a possibility to develop someone’s standpoint, which can result in an innovative and inventive interpretation of their role in the company. This shows that even though institutionalised seems better, it is ideal to utilise both.

Social Exchange Theory

Social exchange theory refers to the sociological as well as psychological idea concerning social behaviour in the interaction of more than one party. It involves economic associations whereby a cost-benefit analysis happens when each side has goods that the others value. It suggests that these computations happen in friendships, romantic, ephemeral, and professional relationships as simple as exchanging words with a consumer at the cash register. The proponents of the concept claim that in the event, the costs of the relationship are higher than the rewards. For instance, if much money or effort is put into interaction and not reciprocated, then it may be abandoned.

The social exchange theory can include the effect of other socialising influences on newcomer turnover. Applying this concept, the newcomers desire to feel as if the effort they put into relationships at work is reciprocated (Song et al., 2019). For instance, there are various ways that one can be integrated into the organisation’s culture. It could happen through being asked to perform certain tasks, share information with each other about a particular topic or individual, or be corrected in a positive manner. This prompts the idea that socialising influences can occur in two different ways in an organisation, that is, through colleague behaviour and management behaviour. Socialising influence refers to how an individual new to an environment is able to acquire certain culture or subculture. In the case of a newcomer, they can learn how to behave or act in a specific manner only associated with a company through colleague behaviour and management behaviour.

At the colleague behaviour level, there is the use of gossip, which can be talking about a certain topic or individual. This act makes employees feel closer to one another in the work environment and raise their level of trust in each other (Babalola et al., 2019). This, in turn, improves the cooperation as they can not only share rumours among peers but some thoughts or ideas that greatly better the working procedures (Balliet et al., 2021). It assists employees, especially newcomers, to free themselves from daily normal routines and issues in their lives (Bencsik et al., 2019). Furthermore, in the event a person talks about another, they will distract from negative aspects and turn their attention to a different subject. Unless it turns into ostracism and bullying, gossip can help in the retention of newcomers.

Socialisation influences can as well occur at the management behaviour level in terms of leadership. It is important that a company examines the type of managers it has, for this can affect how newcomers quickly integrate into the organisational culture (Gress, 2019). It is their responsibility through guidance to ensure that new employees in the workplace learn about how various tasks are accomplished and the goals (Guo et al., 2021). Additionally, they can find the right workers who are more experienced to train them for easier incorporation.

Colleague Behaviour

Colleague behaviour refers to how the employees conduct themselves with regard to their peers. It is important to look at it since it can affect how the newcomers are integrated into organisational culture. For instance, the issue of gossip between employees has been seen to either form a bond or create a rift which leads to a high rate of retention or turnover (Cheng et al., 2020). Researchers consider gossip to be an essential influence due to its impact on how new workers feel in the novel workplace surroundings.

In recent years, gossip has been turned to appear to have a negative meaning. The specific incidence of negative gossip in the workplace remains hard to estimate, but current research suggests that it is common but not universally classified as an example of workplace mistreatment (Naeem et al., 2019). Scholars, however, have focused on the various types and how they can be used or applied in the workplace environment to have a positive impact at work and help in the socialisation of newcomers (Ribarsky & Hammonds, 2019). Gossiping is considered to be good when the information shared could benefit someone or when it leads to individuals developing a positive perception of the party in the discussion.

Positive gossip consists of sharing positive information about others and expands newcomers’ informational ties in new organizational environments (Zong et al., 2021). According to Mawritz et al. (2022), when scholars consider it, they look at prosocial behavioural responses. For instance, in the event a person shares data that aids the group evade the adverse effects of a norm-violating colleague, then it is considered good (Dores Cruz et al., 2021). The information shared can help others correct themselves and prevent more harm to others.

Positive gossip has been seen to enhance a workplace environment by improving newcomers’ socialization (Zong et al., 2021). It builds trust as well as increases team cohesiveness, which is good when considering the retention of newcomers. Much can be traced to the mantra of praising while in public while criticising in private (Jiang et al., 2019). When an employee is conditioned to expect supervisors, colleagues or subordinates to talk about them positively, it leads to the development of morale (Bai et al., 2020). When they anticipate the opposite, it destroys their motivation, promotes mistrust and results in toxicity.

Gossip can aid in socialisation since it becomes easier for one to be integrated into the culture of an organisation. It is through it that someone can learn about how they need to conduct themselves in various situations (Lee & Barnes, 2021). Additionally, talking about a particular topic that affects involved parties, or another person, there is a bond that is created as there is something that connects all of them (Spoelma & Hetrick, 2021). There are different ways that gossip in the workplace environment can occur, for example, when a newcomer is the one discussing or is involved in it talking about supervisors or colleagues.

When a new employee is the topic of discussion, it may create a negative impression most of the time since they need others who have more experience at the organisation to embrace them. Negative gossip refers to when it is used to bully fellow employees, and it could be used to bully newcomers as well (Liu et al., 2020). The social exchange theory dictates that any relationship is based on cost-benefit analysis, and thus, people need what they give to be reciprocated (Minor et al., 2020). This means that in the event a new person in the work environment chooses to make an effort to create a bond with others, the latter needs to do the same (Tan et al., 2021). If all they try to accomplish is act and treat other people right and they are still bullied, they will decide to end the relationship which is working at the particular organisation. This shows the impact of negative gossip on newcomer turnover.

Management Behaviour

Managerial behaviour refers to how individuals at the leadership position or level in an organisation act in terms of interpersonal communication; the right managerial behaviour is often regarded as a predictor of trust-based employer-employee relationships (Matsuura et al., 2020). It is important to look at this since the person supervising a new employee in a workplace environment can determine their impression of the type of culture (Gustafsson et al., 2019). Leadership is an essential influence as newcomers can only feel fully accepted in a new work setting if they have the support of their managers (Holland & Haegele, 2020). For instance, there are many cases of bullying at work in various companies. Management that is keen on ensuring comfort for the new workers will set rules that aim to cause collaboration and cooperation instead of isolation.

Leadership or, more specifically, the selection of leadership styles, can affect the rate at which new employees are hired and retained within a certain amount of time (Dwipayana & Suwandana, 2021). When a manager is able to guarantee good working conditions and environment, it becomes easier for newcomers to commit long-term (Hornung et al., 2021). However, in the event that they fail to ensure their welfare, they tend to leave shortly after employment. According to the social exchange theory, when it comes to gossip or social exchange, individuals desire to be incorporated in a manner that shows they are part of the culture (Wilson et al., 2020). When not allowed to participate, they feel as if the effort they are giving to foster the interactions with others is not reciprocated. Leadership and gossip can be connected in different ways; for instance, leaders’ involvement in negative gossip can sometimes permeate workplace culture (Kuo et al., 2018). Hypothetically, under the influence of a gossiping leader, subordinates might feel the need to engage in the same behaviours to assimilate and demonstrate some respect for this norm.

Conclusion

The essay has critically evaluated the impact socialisation tactics such as informal mentorship and other socialising influences such as colleague behaviour can have on newcomer turnover. It has been identified that both can have a positive or negative effect on newcomer turnover, which refers to the total number of new employees who quit working at various organisations over a particular time. Gossip has been recognised to assist in the socialisation process as it ensures that it is easier for one to be integrated into organisational culture (Zhou et al., 2019). Through it, individuals learn more about how they need to conduct themselves.

Additionally, being involved in the act of talking about a particular topic creates a bond which can lead to higher retention rates of newcomers. Positive gossip has been witnessed to enhance a workplace setting as it establishes trust, which is a great impression for a new employee. When someone is bullied, it then must be considered negative, which is a limitation of the socialising influences (Yuan & McNeeley, 2018). For instance, it is hard for a novel worker to commit long-term to a company if they feel targeted, which can increase the rate at which they leave work after employment.

Future research should be done on how managers and other leaders in different organisations can ensure that they balance the effects of socialising influences such as gossip. It would be great for companies to train their staff members on better ways of interacting with new employees. By promoting an environment that is welcoming and allows everyone to work with others in peace, it becomes easier for people to choose to return. One can conclude that since humans are social beings, it is important for companies to consider that in their tactics to retain workers.

References

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Family as a basic unit stands as one thing that has had a significant influence on my life. Reviewing my childhood, my parents have always shown immense concern in their nurturing role. They were always available whenever I needed them for counsel and support. Through their support, I learned how to interact and socialize with others. This has not changed since they are always accessible, and I always refer to them whenever I need their help.

As a result of the close relationship between nurture and nature, I believe the two undeniably influence our lives. In this case, it is essential to realize that one’s environment and genes play a significant role in determining the outcome of people’s lives (Bekir, 2020). For instance, if one is born into a family whose most members are musicians, the person is also likely to pursue the same course due to increase music exposure from the environment. Similarly, if one is from a scientist’s background, he is expected to follow the same trend due to encounters. The influence of nurture also allows children to produce and learn using mental abilities inherited from their parents. For this reason, I believe the two factors in question here play critical roles in influencing people’s lives.

Socialization involves the process where a person tends to behave and adjust to particular patterns in a manner universally acceptable by individuals interested in the interaction. Those who fail to socialize will likely forego significant opportunities and experiences (Bekir, 2020). One of the major things that we tend to relinquish in the absence of socialization is the chance to learn how to interact and communicate with others effectively (Bekir, 2020). In this case, human beings fail to get the need for cooperation and unity in various facets. Therefore, children’s socialization needs to be encouraged at a young age because it enables them to learn how to operate in society.

Reference

Bekir H. (2020). Early Child Development. (Eds.), In Handbook of Research on Prenatal, Postnatal, and Early Childhood Development (pp. 181-196). IGI Global.

Introduction

Socialization alludes to the deep-rooted procedure of acquiring and dispersing standards, traditions, and philosophies that give an individual the abilities fundamental for integration (Socialization 1). Some social researchers say socialization speaks to the procedure of learning all through life and is a focal impact on the conduct, convictions, and activities of grownups and kids. With restricted social experience, newborn children can build a feeling of personality through impersonation.

Youngsters steadily figure out how to play the parts of others. By implication, the individual develops ideas based on imitation. The stages of the lifelong process include childhood, adolescence, transitional adult, middle years, and older years.

However, the socialization process is influenced by ethnicity, gender, and social strata. For example, the problem-solving capability of a child is different from an adult. Thus, change is a continuous process, which is influenced by socialization. Previous literature revealed that children adapt through imitation, which is the primary feature of socialization. They complete activities by emulating their parents, guardians, and brothers. Thus, we adapt to socialization by taking the responsibility of our image models (Socialization Throughout the Life Span 2).

Socialization after childhood

Socialization is a learning procedure that starts soon after birth. The child realizes his or her identity, which is influenced by socialization. Thus, association and integration are influenced by socialization. As we age, we enter a new status, which supports re-socialization to manage different situations. We likewise have encounters that show us lessons and conceivably lead us to adjust our desires, convictions, and identity. Thus, socialization after childhood reintegrates the individual with other aspects of society (Tomlin 2).

Development and socialization

Checking out the world, we see that distinctive societies use diverse procedures to mingle their kids. There are two sorts of showing techniques – formal and casual. Formal instruction is the thing that essentially happens in a classroom. It normally is organized, controlled, and coordinated essentially by grown-up instructors who are proficient “knowers.” interestingly, casual training can happen anywhere. It includes impersonation of what others do and says and, in addition, experimentation, and monotonous routine of fundamental abilities. This thing happens when kids act like a grown-up to cause diversions.

Re-socialization happens when somebody settles on the choice to change their lives and learn new standards. Deliberate Re-socialization happens when an individual is constrained into an Institution where they are compelled to adapt to new standards and qualities. Automatic re-socialization happens in our foundations or a setting in which individuals are secluded from whatever is left of society; cases incorporate the military.

Erik’s theory of personality development

As indicated by the hypothesis, fruitful finishing of every stage results in a solid identity and the securing of essential ethics. Essential temperance is a trademark quality, which the inner self can use to determine results in emergencies (Erikson’s Stages of Development 2).

The inability to effectively finish a phase can bring about a diminished capacity to complete further stages and, in this way, a more undesirable identity and feeling of self (McLeod 1). These stages, notwithstanding, can be effectively determined.

Contrast Erik Erikson and Sigmund Freud’s’ theory

A few contrasts exist between the names of the stages and the formative issues that are experienced in each theory. However, every therapist has his own special perspective of what drives a man’s improvement. Freud’s psychosexual hypothesis underlines the significance of essential needs and natural powers, while Erikson’s psychosocial hypothesis is based on social and ecological elements. Erikson additionally extends his hypothesis into adulthood, while Freud’s hypothesis closes at a particular stage (Leanne 3).

Works Cited

Erikson’s Stages of Development. 2016. Web.

Leanne, Megan 2013, Comparing Freud’s Psychosexual Theory and Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory. Web.

McLeod, Saul 2013, Erik Erikson. Web.

Socialization. 2014. Web.

Socialization Throughout the Life Span. 2016. Web.

Tomlin, Carolyn 2008, Factors Affecting Socialization of Children. Web.

The article entitled “The cycle of socialization” by Harro discusses the nature of people’s prejudices, looks at how they are developed and what factors influence the formation of people’s assumptions and stances. The article is written in a context of the ongoing globalization processes, where the notions of good and evil often become labels that serve to underpin elites’ power and the authority of corporations. Harro’s work may be interesting not only for sociologists but for a wide range of readers, as it is written in a simple language. This work aims to make people see how their prejudices are formed and which processes strengthen and elaborate their unquestionable truths. Thus, any individual may get a glimpse of the processes of socialization that lie at the core of his values and prejudices. The article provides an insight into how these stances may be changed if people make an effort to understand themselves.

When a person is born, he has no notion of the established norms and traditions; he does not choose to be born into them, but they are imposed on him as he grows up. People do not choose their parents and the society they grow in, their physical features and abilities. However, people are labeled from the start by being aligned with the agent or target societal groups (Harro, 2000). Agent groups are those who have more power and can label others. Target groups are disadvantaged people who suffer from all kinds of discrimination.

The article asserts that every person has many social identities which evolve through the cycle of socialization. These identities reflect a person’s age, gender, race, and other characteristics, and each of them acquires some value in the socialization process (Harro, 2000). The cycle of socialization comprises first socialization, institutional and cultural socialization, enforcements, and results that pave the way for actions and direction for change.

First socialization is social norms that parents teach to their children and that form children’s self-perceptions and thoughts about the future. Children are taught to adhere to certain rules accepted in their families. As a child grows, the number of social institutions he is influenced by grows. Schools and social institutions all impose their rules on individuals and form stances and perceptions that are later difficult to discard (Harro, 2000). These stances are tightly woven into the very fabric of society and reinforce the biased views people receive.

The majority of people do not question the established norms. It happens due to the system of ‘reinforcements’ that exists in every society. ‘Reinforcements’ are awards and punishments distributed depending on a person’s behavior in the social context. Those people who righteously uphold the established norms get benefits like increased salary, admittance to elite groups, or being put up as an example for a younger generation. The ones who openly challenge societal conventions are labeled as ‘no good’ and punished by societal institutions.

The result of such continuous learning is the formation of distorted self-perception, which gives rise to all kinds of distress and depression. Target groups suffer from the sense of impotence and helplessness that often comes from their formed perception of themselves (Harro,2000). Agent groups have all sorts of fears imposed on them by society. People can stay in their roles or disrupt the regular cycle; by doing nothing, they contribute to the system of oppression.

People’s fears and uncertainty are at the core of this cycle, as people are afraid to challenge the existing system. However, when the discomfort becomes too great, people may see the direction for change. To introduce changes within society, they need to cooperate with people from other groups; in this way, societal changes can be brought about.

Reference

Harro, B. (2000). The cycle of socialization. Readings for diversity and social justice, 2, 45-51.

Effects of the Media

How can the media teach responsible behaviours such as decision-making? The current and almost inevitable behaviour involves periodical flipping of channels using a remote control to find a suitable program. People learn both beneficial and negative practices from the media. Children learn some languages or slangs from the media, and this end up influencing their communication behaviours even in future undertakings.

The themes and issues such as drama, violence, sex and music are common implications. Children are therefore prone to stereotyping and deceiving information about the world, particularly due to their innocence. People need to realize that socialization is a developmental process whereby the individual encounters others or earthly resources and they enable him/her to be socially acceptable into specific settings.

Social acceptance is a continual and ever dynamic procedure, throughout the entire lifetime. Lack of social control causes personal life to lacks proper meaning.

Surroundings and experiences are the main determinants or the agents of socialization, which are the world’s main influences. These controls depend on exposure, and thus the positive or negative impacts on individuals. The media is one of the agents that have nearly permanent effect on people social lifestyles because of its manipulative style of shaping the society (Nash, 2010).

The media consumes the behavioural pattern of many and mostly the youth. Although not intentional, teenagers easily pick the bad influences from the media in their urge of finding identity in the society.

Sometimes the bad influences include bragging to the peers. When the family setting has a strong foundation on good influences, the teenager has ability to resist media pressure. Peer exposure has great pressure than the family influences, but exposures to the media can cause different experiences, which are both great and influential to proper growth as well as social demolishing.

Exposure to media influences is sociological because it determines if one is in a position to venture into future relationships without considering the experiences, or attracting more negative influences.

State of the Media

The media is dynamic and a revolution that rarely fades away from the social world. The celebrity influence is an example that is a common scenario among the youths since time in memorial. The media is equally expansive, and today it has great influence on everyone in various unique ways, regardless of the personal option or need.

It has formed a big part of the social world, but people need to understand it as a manipulative tool because if one is in a position of thinking from the media point of view or aspired outcome, then understanding the system is easier. This kind of thought reduces the chances of negative influences.

In close relation to Newman’s (2009) writing, childhood is not a biological but a social process of growth. This means that all children are unsecure from the media influences.

Everyone is able to pick one or many aspects that are moral or immoral values of the society. A child does not need to understand the verbal interpretation to understand the description of violence from a television set. The tragic images speak bigger words. The key social values one picks from the media are evident during the socialization process, for instance the commercial implications.

The media is however not set to spread good or negative influence, it acts as a manipulation tool in support of the businesses profit margins, but end up determining how the young child will socialize. The cartoon and animated images are the key determinant of the children’s actions. The media therefore distorts the morals values by influencing on people to take up what it portrays.

Parental role

Do the parents or guardians bother to check on the movie or program ratings? Young people are often curious of negative aspects such as alcohol, and thus the common definition of the teenage years being a time of experimenting and seeking novelty. Conducted survey indicates that scenes of alcohol and tobacco abuse are a common phenomenon in most programs and movies today (Kendall, 2006).

As a result, at least half or more of the teenagers try out alcohol during the teenager stage, and nearly all have tried before reaching the legal age. “These days the youth show higher rates or percentage of alcohol problems as opposed to the older age groups” (Browne, 2009). This is a social problem mainly influenced through the media.

Vulnerability to the media

The brain may be more vulnerable to social pressure or discomforts due to sensitivity. These social effects can bring about pleasurable social experiences such as negative engagement, as one seeks better expectations. The effects of the media on the mind are enormous.

In the studies of media influences by Partrick (2008), characteristically, people have a diminished sensitivity to influences because the hormones also play a vital role in decisions. According to Partrick (2008), “people have novelty to seek and promote competitiveness socially.” The production of hormones promotes human action, because the original occurrences on the media influence their social approvals.

Effects of the media on growth and development

Social, emotional, behavioural, physical and cognitive growths are very important aspects influencing social behaviour. Analysis of some developmental life-span stages indicates the possibility of determining influences brought about by the media. There are unique kind of behavioural pattern to expect after a distinctive episode on the media, thus the need to suggest developmental concerns and appropriate actions.

Human beings have to make decisions based on the challenges at hand. They face many disputes such as inevitable physical changes and parental or peer pressure especially over making decisions on impulsive activities (Kendall, 2006). These transitional issues are of critical concerns regarding identity, choices, self-esteem and emotional development.

Their appearance to others is equally an important issue; because of they believe that everyone has unique problems, and all the public attention focuses particularly upon these issues.

People often face the challenges of discovering their identity in terms of vocation, relationship, sexuality, gender, life interests, personality, culture and most importantly parental background (Kendall, 2006). Abusive media may cause conflicts, because of the need to find a desirable social lifestyle or freedom, especially during the emotionally stressing moments.

Conclusion

Pressure from the media should serve the role of determining and moulding the right character in a person. This is arguably the reason why people mainly mimic their parent’s lifestyles. Parental pressure is more often hard to resist because it is equally very hard to notice. It is therefore important to know that personal choices are very important even when the parental pressure is irresistible.

The strongest predictor and controller of media abuse or negative influence to the social lives, particularly among the youth and children is the parent. The parents assist in defining the usage and warn on the media effects. The parental pressure relates to modelling social lifestyles.

References

Browne, K. (2006). Introducing Sociology for AS Level. Oxford, UK: Polity Publishers

Kendall, D. (2008). Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials. Kentucky, KY: Cengage Learning Publishers

Nash, K. (2010). Contemporary Political Sociology: Globalization, Politics and Power. (Second Ed). Oxford, UK: John Wiley and Sons. Print

Newman, D.M., (2009).Sociology: Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life. Los Angeles, L.A.: Pine Forge Press,

Partrick, B. J. (2008). Adolescents and Risk: Making Sense of Adolescents Psychology. Praeger Publishers

Hypothesis

If the educational reform is realized by the U.S. government with references to the additional investment, then young Americans receive the opportunity to improve their socialization and pursue the American Dream.

Introduction

Socialization is important for young Americans because the success of this process of inheriting the social norms to conform to the social ideals is closely associated with the Americans’ success in their personal and professional life. To pursue the American Dream, young Americans should complete all the stages of socialization effectively, and the process of receiving the education is the important stage (Honda, 2011, p. 3).

However, many young persons are deprived of opportunities to receive the appropriate education and achieve high results in their socialization process because of the lack of finances (Applebaum, Broughton, Croner, D’Amico, & Visnaw, 2014, p. 2).

The additional investment and development of a comprehensive educational reform can be discussed as the effective approach to address this social issue. To conclude about the approach’s success, it is necessary to focus on sociological theories, practical implications, and provide the supporting evidence.

Applicable Sociological Concepts

Socialization is the complex process which depends on changing the person according to social norms as a result of the personal development. Many factors can influence socialization, and education is one of the most significant factors to affect the people’s process of learning more about societal patterns and obtaining the necessary knowledge and skills. This process can be discussed in the context of Social Learning Theory and the Symbolic Interaction approach.

According to Social Learning Theory, people learn how to behave while observing other persons’ activities, and according to the Symbolic Interaction approach, people learn while interacting continuously (Macionis, 2010, p. 24). The connection between education and socialization can be discussed with references to the Conflict approach because the financial component produces inequality in the society (Macionis, 2010, p. 38).

On the one hand, education can contribute to presenting more job opportunities. On the other hand, Americans often do not have enough money to receive the appropriate education, and social inequality limits the person’s socialization. These aspects are the grounds to discuss the issue not only from the Conflict approach but also with references to Rational Choice Theory which states that people act depending on reasoning and while assessing possible benefits.

Practical Implications

The research related to the connection between the financial component of educational reform and socialization has obvious practical implications because the statement of the educational reform’s necessity can directly influence the young Americans’ chances to achieve the American Dream. Thus, the research provides the implications for improving the educational system. According to Honda, education should be equitable and accessible, otherwise, “the foundation of our democratic society is compromised” (Honda, 2011, p. 3).

The focus on the policy leads to increasing the quality of education and opportunities to complete the American Dream. Furthermore, additional investment to the sphere of education leads to benefits for employers and educated young professionals’ socialization (Applebaum et al., 2014, p. 2). The labor market becomes more competitive as younger professionals have more enthusiasm and motivation. In addition, unemployment and crime rates can decrease, providing benefits for tax payers.

Evidence to Support the Research

To support the hypothesis, it is necessary to refer to such types of evidence as statistical data and qualitative data. According to the data of 2013, “the youth unemployment rate was over double the unemployment rate for other age groups” (Applebaum et al., 2014, p. 2). The high unemployment rate is directly associated with the impossibility to achieve the American Dream. Moreover, this rate is caused by the educational system’s ineffectiveness.

In 2010, the youth unemployment rate was more than 30% for young people with less than a high school degree (Applebaum et al., 2014, p. 3). Many educational programs involving the financial aid contribute to increasing the employment rates and involvement in volunteering.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the effective anti-poverty incentives to decrease the unemployment rate (Applebaum et al., 2014, p. 4). These data support the idea that improvement of the educational system with the focus on aid programs leads to improving socialization. Possible biases are associated with interpreting the results as not affecting the issue of social inequality.

Referring to the second type of evidence, it is necessary to state that people discuss the higher education is the guarantee to have better job opportunities (Honda, 2011, p. 2). From this point, participation in educational programs suggests that many young Americans not only want to obtain the higher education, but they also can achieve high results in their socialization. According to Honda, by addressing the students’ individual needs, “regardless of cost per pupil, can we attain equity” (Honda, 2011, p. 3).

Thus, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enabled the federal government to finance different states where disparity of opportunities is significant (Honda, 2011, p. 4). The evidence supports the hypothesis and idea that additional funding is necessary to promote equal opportunities for socialization and professional success, and it is rather bias-free while providing the educators’ opinion on the issue.

Conclusion

The evidence supports the hypothesis that the proper funding of the educational sector and the comprehensive education reform can help young people to socialize more easily and effectively and to pursue the American Dream.

According to the statistical data, the youth unemployment rate in 30% can be decreased with the focus on effective educational programs. The qualitative data are convincing to state that such acts and laws as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can contribute to creating more education and job opportunities for young Americans.

Reference List

Applebaum, A., Broughton, K., Croner, B., D’Amico, M., & Visnaw, J. (2014). Renewing the American dream for young workers: Education and economic opportunities for young Americans. Web.

Honda, M. (2011). Preserving the American Dream: A teacher-turned-congressman starts a national dialogue on equity. Web.

Macionis, J. (2010). Sociology. Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions.

Introduction

Socialization is a term that is used to refer to how an individual inherits and disseminates norms, customs, and beliefs. In the life of an individual, several factors may affect his /her process of socialization. For instance, family, school, peers, religion, government, and tradition have played a critical role in shaping up my process of socialization. These factors have played a critical role in my growth and development. Family and peers are perhaps the main factors of socialization that have influenced me the most.

Family

I was born and raised in a family unit that consisted of a father, mother, and my fellow siblings. Occasionally, relatives would come to our home for a visit. At times, we would visit them in their homes. As a result, much of the interactions that I had in the early years of my life were with my family members. It is through these interactions that I developed my basic social skills and characters.

The first thing that I developed as a result of interacting with my family members is language. English was the first language that I learned. It was the only language that was used in my family. Also, I developed an accent and word pronunciation that was similar to that of my family members.

The religion and culture that I embrace at the present moment are a result of the interaction that I had with my family. I am a believer in the same religion as my parents. I also adopted the same culture and beliefs as my parents. When I was young, my parents used to tell me stories. These stories used to teach me a lot about our culture and religion. The lessons that I learned from them acted the rules and guidelines of my life.

Peers

I have been socializing with my peers for as long as I can remember. It is through them that I have modified most of my thoughts and beliefs. As I interacted with them, I had the chance to develop relationships and make friends without the supervision of my parents or any other family member. In the process, I learned the personality of good people who could be good friends or bad friends. My peers also played a significant role in the development of my character. Through their influence, I engaged myself in many activities. This included sports, recreation activities, and vices. I adopted some and dropped others.

I still engage in some activities that were introduced to me by my peers. This includes playing basketball and reading novels. Finally, my peers play a significant role in my decision-making process. Before deciding on what to do, I normally consult my closest friends. As a result, I will make a final decision after getting their advice and opinion on the issue at hand. However, I have never changed my character or beliefs so that I can fit within a certain social group.

Conclusion

I tend to spend a lot of time with my family and friends. I do value them a lot. As a result of the constant interaction that we have, they have managed to influence my social skills and behavior. As a result, they have played an important role in determining the kind of person that I am at the present moment.

Schools are social agencies that are created with the aim of enhancing the processes of socialization. As an agent of socialization, a school contributes towards the process of ‘creating a social self’ in an individual. A school is a man-made institution that is formulated for the purposes of transmitting culture thereby aiding in socialization.

Attending school has a significant impact on learners including introducing them to a mostly interactive universe. Furthermore, school curriculums are often designed in a manner that addresses socialization directly. It is also important to note that in modern times, schools have taken over some of the roles that are played by other agents of socialization (Giddens 55). This essay discusses school as an agent of socialization and offers specific examples of how it influences our behaviors, interactions, and the society as a whole.

School is vital in determining how we communicate with each other because it introduces us to language/s. Although people are introduced to languages by their parents and/or other caretakers, schools are responsible for formalizing this process. For instance, schools teach languages in a manner that bridges the disparities between various societies and dialects.

Consequently, our first introductions into the social world are made possible by the fact that schools teach us languages that resonate with our environment. School is also responsible for imparting individuals with skills that make them useful to their societies. In the current society, productivity is assessed using an individual’s vocational and economic output.

Schools are directly responsible for making people worthwhile in their respective societies. For example, in order for someone to become a doctor he/she needs to go through several levels of schooling. On the other hand, doctors are among the most respected members of the society.

School is theoretically the first agent of socialization to feature complex social systems. These social systems are both formal and informal. In addition, these social systems are aimed at preparing students to take up useful positions in the society. For example, from the time kids are in the middle school they are taught how to elect class representatives.

The kids are expected to encounter this form of social order when they venture into their respective societies. This form of socialization continues to increase as students venture into higher levels of education. For instance, it is mandatory for some university students to take part in community/social activities before they graduate.

Schools incorporate several informal activities and groupings that act as agents of socialization. Other than the structured curriculums, schools systems incorporate social clubs where students are able to learn various social skills. The social skills that are acquired by students through informal activities contribute to their overall development as members of the society. People interact with others in respect to their positions in the society.

For example, leaders are expected to present themselves in a good light towards their subjects. In addition, leaders are expected to make certain sacrifices in the course of their service to the public. All these social skills are encountered in school, where club leaders often prioritize the needs of their members even when they have personal obligations.

Education is an agent of socialization that is expected to ‘manufacture’ responsible citizens. The social norms that students pick up during their school sessions are expected to last for entire lifetimes. School is a pivotal agent of socialization because it brings students from different backgrounds together thereby replicating a ‘mini-society’.

Works Cited

Giddens, Anthony. Introduction to sociology, New York: WW Norton, 2000. Print.

Nowadays the process of the caregivers’ socialization became a common topic of debate and discussion among various scholars and those who work in the health administration field. Therefore, it would be relevant to speak on the issue of the influence of the caregivers’ socialization on the improvement of the socialization skills and their impact on patients’ health. Another subject under discussion here is, also, whether or not such reforms are useful and effective.

It is a known fact that caregivers are likely to try their best to perform their duties in taking care of the patients. The caregivers are trying to spend all their time with the patients while forgetting about their own social needs. That is why the scientists in the field of health administration are really concerned about the special social attention which should be given to the caregivers.

They motivate the necessity of such caregivers’ socialization by the assumption that if the caregivers’ health would be good, then it would serve as the best guarantee that they would have enough vigor to provide the patients with the proper care. With the view to maintain and support the caregivers’ health and the process of their socialization, there was implemented the self–care reform concept.

It is a proven fact that the self – care for the caregivers is an important procedure that demands that the caregivers take care of themselves as well as of their patients. According to Mary Heisick, the MSW and the current president of the Harbor – South Bay – Orange County Chapter, the self – care is one of the most important “elements of positive and productive caregiving” (Heisick, 2001, p. 63).

One of the key ideas of this program is that the engagement of the caregivers in the social activities helps them cope in the times of their possible crisis determined by their anxiety about their patients. It has been proved that socializing is fruitful during a hearty family or friends’ meal. If referring to Mary Heisick, “the warmth of the meal shared with replenishes your energy so you have more to give. If your stamina is not restored, you may find yourself physically and/or mentally exhausted.” (Heisick, 2001, p. 64).

Another powerful tool in socializing as well as in the caregiving process is laughter. The caregivers might encourage their patients to share jokes they find funny with others. Thus, it might be stated that the development of a lighthearted spirit might help the caregivers and the patients to get through the difficult periods in their life. The spiritual-religious process during the process of struggle with the problems is also encouraged. Frequently, the religious beliefs of the caregivers and their patients are really helpful while facing difficult challenges.

There are various options to socialize. For example, the caregivers and their patients may communicate to those who cope with similar problems or with those who already went through this experience and want to share their memories. Such memories might be indeed helpful for the caregivers and those whom they take care of. Therefore, it is important for such people not to be afraid of the given communication and of asking questions on the issues they are concerned about.

The important thing that the caregivers should always keep in mind is: “Remember the goal of self-care: never feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Socialize instead!” (Heisick, 2001, p. 66). The caregivers’ socializing approach is really useful and fruitful for both the caregivers and their patients. There are enough techniques established in this field. But as time passes, there might be implemented some innovations.

References

Heisick, M. (2001). Self-Care: The Importance of Socialization for Caregivers. AAKP Renalife, 17(3), 62-68.

Socialization is one of the most important factors that define a human being. The need to socialize has seen people invent various channels of socialization. Technological advancement has reduced the world into a small village. Some areas, such as the mass media coverage, have attracted the attention of many individuals globally. With the current mass media, much has changed, especially in terms of socialization.

This includes the radios, television, newspapers, and many more. They deliver and carry messages or information from one place to the other. Socialization process has extremely taken a new look in the current society.

What the media displays has attracted a lot of attention from the public. Information on major societal issues, such as sexuality, is displayed clearly to the public. Unlike in the traditional society where such sensitive information could not be addressed openly, all forms of information are openly discussed fearlessly in the modern society.

Mass media has become so advanced to an extent that people from different regions can chart over various issues affecting them in life. This has greatly helped people in terms of expressing their views freely in areas of interest. By so doing, a social network is created. Issues of family and marriages are addressed. Relationship issues are discussed through the mass media as well.

Twitter and Facebook are the main forms of social media in the modern society. Through Facebook and twitter, people from various parts of the world share information and would form relationships more easily. According to Henslin (2012), young individuals would get in touch with each other through the social media and would form serious friendships, which would end up in marriages.

Mass media has drawn the attention of many politicians in the modern society since it offers as a platform through which leaders can form strong bonds with the electorate. Through Facebook and Twitter, politicians are able to pass their campaign information to many. The mass media helps them in sharing their political standpoints and interests with their supporters, organize meetings, and hold political rallies.

The first category of the socialization agents is the media. The mass media and the social media have been major agents of socialization. As mentioned above, the mass media is a very vital socializing agent. The newspaper, radio, and television are the main socializing agents in the modern society. On the social media, Facebook, Tweeter, and YouTube are the main agents of socialization.

Facebook has about one billion subscribers from all over the world. This means that through Facebook, one can reach numerous individuals locally and globally. Others, such as YouTube and Tweeter, are also major agents of socialization.

The second category of the agent of socialization is social institutions where people meet (Eitzen, 2011). Such places include schools, sporting events, churches, and other places of worship. Clubs, places of work and even hospitals are also considered social places. These are places where people can socialize.

In the recent past, there has been a massive discussion as to whether the media has a stronger influence on socialization than other agents do. Depending on the angle taken, this may be true or otherwise. Most people who communicate through the media, such as, Facebook, Tweeter, and the mass media, are people who have physically meet through the above agents of socialization.

The media in this case only allows them to keep in contact with one another. However, there is rising crop of individuals who make friendships on the social media before physical meeting. This makes the media a stronger agent of socialization.

References

Eitzen, D. (2011). Social Problems, Census Update. New York: Pearson College Div.

Henslin, J. M. (2012). Sociology: A down to earth approach: core concepts: census update. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Perrino,