Sociology of Education means the process of examining the influence of the institute of education on other social institutions and vice versa.Every individual as a member of a society is expected to behave in acceptable ways.This is why when sometimes some people behave abnormally; others tend to ask such questions as where do they come from? Who are thier parents? which school do they attend? Others might attribute such behaviour to lack of home training.This shows that our behaviour often reflects the way we were brought up.
Meaning of Socialization
Socialization may be defined as the process by which individuals learn the desirable norms and values of the society or group in which they live.A newborn infant is taught to sit,walk,talk,and wear dresses.As he grows older,he is exposed to the rules and regulations of the society.These are values,beliefs and behaviours,which are both customary and acceptable to the society.This exposure or learning is necessary so thst he will be accepted in the society.However,the values,which the child learns in the socialization process,differ from one society to the other depending on their culture.For example,why most parents in would disapprove of thier children using the left-hand to eat,the practice is acceptable in the European culture.Similarly,every group or organization in the society has its norms and values,which its members must observe.
You must,however,note that there are three basic stages of socializationThis might take form of learning how to speak the common language or various values and beliefs of his society.At another level the individual learns the various roles he is expected to perform like a boy learning how to be a breadwinner for the family.The last stage involves learning certain attitudes,skills,knowledge and values required of every member of a group.For instance,a member of a particular age grade is expected to acquire certain knowledge or skills related to his age grade.
Agents of socialization
There are many agents of socialization .These include the family,peer group and school,the church or Mosque,the community and the mass media.
The Family
The family as a social unit is made up of the father,mother and children and it is the first socialization agent for the child.The roles of the family in the socialization of the child are as follows.
i. Moral Training
ii. Intellectual Training
iii. Character Training
iv. Love for Others
v. Vocational Training
The Peer Group
Meaning of peer group:By peer group we mean the association of,or the social relationships between people who fall within the same age range.Members of the peer group often have common characteristics or interest.During moonlight in the villages,one usually finds children and youths in the same age group engaged in various activities.The groupings often follow age line.Age or peer group has become very significant as an agent of socialization.The following are some of its functions.
i. Democratic Living
ii. Exchange of Cultural Ideas
iii. Social Rules
iv. Moral and Character Training
v. Intellectual Development
iv. Leadership Training
The School
The school is a social institution established by members of a society for the purpose of:
i. Transmitting their culture from one generation to another; and
ii. Improving this culture by producing generations of people who are refined and enlightened than their parents or fore-fathers.
The school has the following roles to play in the socialization of the child.
(a) It helps the child to develop the desired moral values which are necessary for his acceptance and survival in the society.
(b) The school helps to provide the child with skills necessary for survival such as reading,writing and counting.
(c) Above all,the school helps to develop the child's social and civic consciousness.This is necessary for effective citizenship.
Summary
• Socialization is the process of helping individuals to learn the ways of his people or group so that he becomes accepted as a member of the society.A socialized individual lives by the code of conduct of his group or the society.
•Some of the agents of socialization are the family,the peer group and the school.Each of them helps to inculcate the norms and values of the society in the individuals.They also help to prepare the individuals for effective citizenship.
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