Agents

Agents of Socialization

How do we learn the norms and values that shape our lives?

What Are Agents of Socialization?

Definition:
Agents of socialization are the individuals, groups, and institutions that shape our sense of identity, behavior, and societal norms.

Open Ended

Who teaches us how to act in society?

Family

Family

• Our first teachers! Family gives us our initial sense of right and wrong, manners, and beliefs.

• Family teaches us things like language, values, traditions, and social roles.

Example:
Ever heard your parents say, “In this house, we do things this way”? That’s family setting the tone for your social norms.

Open Ended

Give us a family or house rule that you've heard of(yours or someone else's) that isn't very normal.

Education

Education

• Schools don’t just teach academics—they teach us how to behave, follow rules, and work with others.

• Education shapes our understanding of authority, time management, and respect for societal expectations.

Open Ended

Where did the current education system come from?

Peers

• Friends influence us in ways that are different from family. Our peer group can pressure us to fit in, challenge norms, or even rebel.

• Peer influence peaks during adolescence when fitting in feels important.

Open Ended

Give us a way you've seen your peers influence your friends

Media

• Media exposes us to ideas, trends, and standards—what’s "cool," what’s "acceptable," and what’s "normal."

• Social media, TV, and movies show us how we should dress, speak, and even think.

Open Ended

What is the most recent "tikTok" or viral trend you've seen?

Why Does It Matter?

Key Takeaway:
All these agents work together to shape who we are, what we believe, and how we act in society. Sometimes they reinforce each other, and sometimes they conflict.

Activity


Create a rap or a poem and a backdrop about your agent of socialisation and do the two following things in your performance.

1.)answer this questions: How does this agent influence behavior or beliefs?

2.)give an example where this agent challenges societal norms?

Find the instruction sheet on Teams

READ IT CAREFULLY