Primary socialization occurs between the child and those people in their life with whom they have a close, personal, and intimate face-to-face relationship.
For most people, the first primary relationships they form are with their parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members.
The family provides children with a sense of moral values, teaching the difference between right and wrong behavior, and how to relate appropriately to others (family, friends, strangers, etc.).
As children get older, they start forming primary attachments with friends and then with other adults through things like marriage, work, etc.
What are the agents of primary socialization?
There are severalagents of primary socialization, including family members, caregivers, and, in some cases (if a child is extremely young), teachers and peers.
The most significant of these, in general, is the family. It is through the family that children learn about their culture and values. Families provide a sense of security and support, which are essential for healthy development.
How does the family socialize the young?
Socializationis a lifelong process that occurs from birth. This form of socialization specifically encompasses the period of infancy and childhood, when the foundations for future social behavior are laid. It is during this time that children learn how to communicate, interact with others, and develop a sense of self-identity.
However, it is important not to see children as passive recipients of information, but instead as active participants in the creation of their own identity. Children are constantly making choices about what kind of person to become.
Parents play an important role in helping children to choose the right path. But parents cannot force their children to behave in certain ways. Instead, parents should help children to understand why they should behave in particular ways.
It is important to note that socialization does not occur in a vacuum. There are many factors that can influence how children are socialized. These include race, social class, religion, and other societal factors.
Poor families tend to prioritize obedience and conformity when raising their children, while rich families, on the other hand, emphasize discernment and innovation. (Smith, Marsden, Hout, & Kim, 2012)).
Research has shown that the family is one of the most important agents of socialization. For example, children who have supportive and involved parents are less likely to engage in adolescent drinking behaviors than those who did not have such support (Barnes, Farrell, & Cairns, 1986).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is school primary or secondary socialization?
For example, if a child came from an absent family, or was put in a school or daycare when they were an infant or toddler, a school-like institution may influence primary socialization (Whitbeck, 1999).
In some cases, the media may also serve as a primary socializer, especially if children are exposed to television or other screens at a very young age.
Ultimately, any individual or institution that plays a significant role in shaping a child”s early experiences could be considered a primary socializer (Whitbeck, 1999).
What’s the difference between primary and secondary socialization?
What do functionalists think about socialization?
Without primary socialization, people would not know how to behave appropriately, and there would be chaos.
Functionalists argue that the family is the most important institution for primary socialization, as it is here that children learn the basic values and norms of society.The family provides love, security, and stability, essential for healthy development (Bales & Parsons, 2014).
References
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Bales, R. F., & Parsons, T. (2014).Family: Socialization and interaction process. Routledge.
Barnes, G. M., Farrell, M. P., & Cairns, A. (1986). Parental socialization factors and adolescent drinking behaviors.Journal of Marriage and the Family,27-36.
Bugental, D. B., & Goodnow, J. J. (1998).Socialization processes.
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Horn, S. S., Ruck, M., & Liben, L. (2016).Equity and justice in developmental science: Implications for young people, families, and communities. Academic Press.
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O”Lynn, C. (2009). Who is in need of socialization?. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(4), 179.
Rothschild, T. Agents of Socialization.Rothschild”s Introduction to Sociology.
Smith, T. W., Marsden, P., Hout, M., & Kim, J. (2012). General social surveys.National Opinion Research Center.
Van Maanen, J. E., & Schein, E. H. (1977).Toward a theory of organizational socialization.
Vandell, D. L. (2000). Parents, peer groups, and other socializing influences.Developmental psychology, 36(6), 699.
Whitbeck, L. B. (1999). Primary socialization theory: It all begins with the family.Substance use & misuse, 34(7), 1025-1032.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Charlotte NickersonResearch Assistant at Harvard UniversityUndergraduate at Harvard UniversityCharlotte Nickerson is a student at Harvard University obsessed with the intersection of mental health, productivity, and design.
Charlotte NickersonResearch Assistant at Harvard UniversityUndergraduate at Harvard University
Charlotte Nickerson
Research Assistant at Harvard University
Undergraduate at Harvard University
Charlotte Nickerson is a student at Harvard University obsessed with the intersection of mental health, productivity, and design.
