Culture, Symbols, and Socialization
How Society Becomes Internalized
Culture and symbols
Culture includes shared meanings, values, norms, and practices. Symbols make social life possible because they allow people to attach shared meanings to objects, words, and actions.
Socialization
Socialization is the process through which people learn culture and come to act as members of society. It continues across the life course through family, school, peers, media, work, and digital environments.
Key concepts
Which is the best example of a norm?
A norm is a rule or expectation for behavior in a situation.
Correct answer: Wearing black on a funeral
Primary socialization usually happens first in which institution?
The family is typically the earliest and most influential site of socialization.
Correct answer: Family
Name one agent of socialization besides the family.
Peers, media, religion, and work are also valid answers.
Correct answer: school
Culture is learned, not natural
Many behaviors people see as obvious or normal are actually social conventions that vary across time and place.
Socialization agents
Family
- Early emotional bonding
- Transmission of basic norms
School
- Hidden curriculum
- Formal discipline and achievement
What is one example of a status?
Any socially recognized position is acceptable, such as student, parent, or manager.
Correct answer: teacher