Tepperman & Curtis (2011, p. 58) state that socialization is a lifelong process that starts at birth and helps individuals acquire the essential knowledge and skills to integrate into society. It encompasses emotional and cognitive development, learning societal norms and behaviors, as well as comprehending and interacting with parents and other significant figures in their lives.
According to Tepperman and Curtis (2011), socialization is impacted by various factors including ethnicity, family structure, gender, environment, and birth order (p. 58). As a result, individuals are influenced differently by socialization and culture. MacNeill (2012) defines culture as a collection of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices within a specific institution, organization or group. This definition emphasizes the significance of culture in understanding our interpersonal relationships.
According to Tepperman and Curtis (2011), culture is subject to variation over different locations and time periods (p.32). It encompasses principles and traditions that are transmitted from one generation to another. Socialization plays a vital role in imparting cultural values and norms to individuals, which in turn influence their daily activities. Therefore, socialization inevitably molds human behavior.
This paper asserts that the primary factors responsible for cultural perpetuation are the principal agents of socialization. It will explore certain characteristics associated with socialization and cultural domains, and ultimately, analyze the outcomes of socialization. The initial stage commences within the family unit, acknowledged as an influential agent due to its role in fostering initial and enduring interpersonal bonds.
According to Tepperman and Curtis (2011), families have the responsibility of teaching children important skills such as interacting with others, expressing closeness, and resolving conflicts (p. 62). They also play a crucial role in instilling social norms and values in their children to ensure appropriate behavior in society (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 62). Additionally, the family serves as a child’s perspective on the world, where various factors like social class, religion, and ethnicity influence their experiences (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 62).
It is crucial to recognize the significance of socialization within the family as it can hinder a child’s development of vital social skills and self-control. Usually, these skills are acquired from the family environment. Moreover, the family plays a major part in shaping a child’s attitude and behavior. According to Tepperman and Curtis (2011), effective socialization extends beyond simply ensuring that children externally comply with parental instructions. It also entails aiding in their self-regulation and motivation so that they willingly cooperate with their parents’ endeavors in socialization (p. 2).
Social interaction within the family is crucial for maintaining culture, while mass media plays a significant role in creating and sharing culture. This includes magazines, the internet, newspapers, radio, television, and other forms of communication aimed at a wide audience. As a result, mass media is recognized as a powerful influence on socialization.
Tepperman and Curtis (2011) argue that the media plays a crucial role in transmitting values, social behaviors, and definitions of social reality (p. 64). They also note that the media reinforces racial and sexual stereotypes, influencing how viewers perceive and interact with different groups such as men, women, ethnic or racial groups, homosexuals, older individuals, or those with disabilities (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 64). These findings highlight the significant impact of mass media on society and its long-lasting consequences. Additionally, it is observed that households in modern society have more televisions but fewer people per household.
In summary, the prevalence of solo television viewing has increased, indicating that more individuals are watching TV alone (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 68). Furthermore, children’s substantial internet usage and television viewing often occur without supervision, as parents are occupied with work to support their families. Consequently, due to the rising reliance on the internet and various forms of media like television, children are increasingly prone to imitating behaviors observed on TV or online.
Concerns about violence and pornography in digital media have been ongoing for a long time, with television, music videos, movies, comics, and magazines all seen as potential sources of influence, especially for young people (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 65). The mass media is a central cultural concern because it provides content to a large majority of people, serving as a means for cultural and social continuity (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 45).
As children progress in their childhood, various factors in their surroundings affect their process of adapting to adult responsibilities. They gradually navigate beyond the confines of their familial background and engage with other societal parts like the local community, fellow families, peers, playgroups, etc. (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 64). Peer groups have become increasingly acknowledged as influential agents in children’s socialization (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 68). Typically, peer groups comprise individuals of similar age and social standing.
According to Tepperman and Curtis (2011), playgroups offer valuable opportunities for children to enhance their social skills and learn how to interact with others (p. 68). Playgroups provide a context where children can engage with their peers, enabling them to develop a sense of perspective and autonomy separate from adult influence (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 68). This period allows children to learn from each other and function autonomously, without adult supervision.
During adolescence, the influence of the peer group is significant (Tepperman and Curtis, 2011, p. 8). In a study conducted in 2008, Sara, Shmuel, and Zinaida found that adolescents favor alternative and independent methods of socializing with peers over adult-led activities (p. 373).
According to Tepperman and Curtis (2011), the school is essential for educating individuals and teaching them social values. They believe that the school plays a crucial role in socialization during childhood and adolescence, influencing young people’s interactions with others and impacting their future careers (p. 70).
According to Sara et al. (2008), school provides children with the opportunity to learn discipline, social interaction, and other essential skills that are deemed appropriate by society. It also allows them to engage in play and interact with their peers, which assists in developing self-awareness and understanding of others. The school serves as a platform for children to expand their social circle beyond their family and become more independent from adults. Additionally, it equips them with the necessary abilities for adulthood, shapes their future identities, enables expression of personal interests, and establishes unique cultures within peer groups (p. 73). Furthermore, language practices during this process of socialization help convey beliefs and values to children.
According to Tepperman and Curtis (2011, p. 44), communication is the process of sharing meaning and enabling one person’s thoughts to be comprehended by another. Language, as stated by Tepperman and Curtis (2011, p. 44), encompasses both written and spoken words and serves as a means of communication. Language plays a crucial role in socialization as it serves as the primary symbolic medium through which cultural knowledge is conveyed, replicated, and changed.
During the socialization process, individuals acquire the language and cultural norms of their society, as well as their prescribed roles in life. The mass media plays a significant part in this process, acting as a vital aspect of cultural realms. Through dissemination and creation, the mass media disseminates messages to a wide audience. Consequently, we can stay updated on noteworthy political, economic, and social occurrences.
We depend on the mass media to acquire knowledge about our surroundings, whether it be local, regional, national, or global (Tepperman & Curtis, 2011, p. 46). Furthermore, the mass media serves as a medium for individuals to explore different cultural customs from various countries or societies. For instance, one can observe Chinese New Year festivities without the need to travel to China or partake in the vibrant Caribbean Calypso Carnival without visiting Jamaica. Moreover, individuals can indulge in the excitement of the Olympics from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the necessity to visit the host country.
The family, mass media, school, and peer group play a vital role in shaping individuals’ socialization and preserving cultural knowledge. It is important to recognize that elements of culture such as language and mass media are closely intertwined with the process of socialization. Thus, there is a reciprocal relationship between culture and socialization.
