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20.2.1: Agents of Socialization and Enculturation

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  • Page ID
    142499

    • Amanda Taintor
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    Institutional sources of socialization and enculturation are called agents of socialization. The first of these, the family, is undoubtedly the most important agent of socialization for infants and young children.[1]

    The Role of Culture

    Families and their children are interconnected with cultural communities. Each family has beliefs, values, and expectations rooted in cultural traditions that also reflect unique perspectives of the family. No two families follow cultural rules precisely the same way, and most families are connected to and influenced by multiple cultures. Williams and De Gaetano (1985) describe culture as a way of life of a group of people, including shared views of the world and social realities, values and beliefs, roles and relationships, and patterns or standards of behavior. Through culture, children gain a sense of identity, belonging, and beliefs about what is important in life.[2]

    Much cultural knowledge is transmitted implicitly. "Before the start of formal education, children begin to acquire competencies and skills that the cultural group considers important for maturation and independence as an adult. Sometimes this is conveyed directly through intentional teaching by the family. These skills are often absorbed indirectly through select experiences provided in family life. For example, an older child may learn to take care of a younger one just by watching her mother or an older sibling".[2]

    [1] Introduction to Diversity Studies by Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is licensed under a CC BY-NC-CA

    [2] California Department of Education, Infant/Toddler Learning and Development Program Guidelines, Second Edition by the California Department of Education is used with permission

    This page titled 20.2.1: Agents of Socialization and Enculturation is shared under a mixed 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Amanda Taintor.