Importance In Childhood Socialization example essay topic

Socialization is the human process of learning to become a member of our society, and how each individual learns to fit into a group (Jureidini & Poole, 2003, p 123). Jean Piaget (1896-1980) a Swiss psychologist described childhood and development in terms of distinct psychological stages and how these stages influence socialization and enculturation (see Jureidini & Poole, 2003, pp 124! V 127). Other important theorists to look at are George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) and Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934). Agents of Socialization: In Australian culture, socialization occurs through various agents, and due to Australia being so multicultural and diverse, the importance of each of these agents is different from individual to individual. "X Family!

V For most children, the family is the epicenter of socialization and is the most important factor in how the child is conditioned. At an early age, a high percentage of Australian children have their family environments substituted by daycare. There is mixed evidence as to how this affects the stability of the child in later years". X School! V Primary schools in Australia offer an opportunity for children to learn about behaviour and social interaction from peers under disciplined guidance from a teacher. The playground is an important place for children to learn what socially acceptable behaviour is and what is not".

X Media! V Programs such as! yen Playschool! | and! yen Sesame Street! | offer young children the social tools they need. Such programs also have a significant role in gender conditioning. In later years, the children / teenagers will become subject to issues of conformity that are modeled on mainstream media icons". X Religion! V In an Australian context, religion holds varied importance in childhood socialization.

For some children, attending church, a mosque or a synagogue with family provides an introduction to the beliefs, values and morals that are socialized throughout their lives. Processes of Socialization: There are several ways in which children (and adults for that matter) are socialized". X Trial & Error! V children learn how to interact appropriately in a social environment by trialing certain behaviour and gauging its social response. o e.g. When children use manners and are polite, they are more likely to get what they want. Hence they learn to be polite rather than ask rudely. e.g. Hitting another child in the playground elicits a negative response from society; the child's friends won! |t play with him / her anymore". X Punishment & Reinforcement!

V Parents and teachers use punishment and reward to socialize children into conforming to social norms. Do something that is inappropriate by society's standards and be punished. Do something correct, and be rewarded. o e.g. Moral conditioning against stealing. When the child puts some candy from the store in his pocket, the mother slaps his hand, thus teaching him that it is wrong and not allowed. o e.g. Rewards for high achievement in primary school. Most schools use stickers as a reward system for benevolence or hard work". X Observation!

V Children learn a lot from observing others in a family, school or media context. o Social interactions are moulded on the observation of siblings, parents, peers etc. o Gender identity is formed primarily from the observation of family members and peers. Their observations on how males and females interact, and how they behave in relation to each other is the framework for a child's view on gender differences.