Agents of socialization
- Family: The important agent of socialization is a family. Parents/family are not only closely related to the child but physically also they are nearer to his/her, than others. From the parents a child learns his/her speech and language. In sum, child inherits many characteristics such as cooperation, tolerance, self-sacrifice, love and affection in the family from the parents.
- School: The school is the second agent of socialization. In the school, the child gets his/her education, which molds his/her ideas and attitudes. Education is of great importance in socialization.
- Friends/peers: The peer group represents a choice in companion relationship and activates based on the interest of individual. A child acquires something from his friends which he/she can’t acquire from parents.
- Reference group: A reference group is also influential factor in the process of socialization. A reference group is any group is any group with whom a person identifies and whose attitudes and values follow to adopt.
- Media: In recent years, the media have become very influential as agents of socialization. Television, radio, newspaper, films; books are most important mass media for socialization. These media communicate value, norms, culture and standards of behavior that influence the individual.
- Religion/culture: In every society, religion is important in regulating behavior in ways consistent with the society’s moral codes. Religion and culture provide a set of general values that guides behavior and shape the self-concept.