To what extent is secondary socialisation more influential than primary socialisation for an individual?
Cambridge
O level and GCSE
2021
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Introduction
Introduce the topic and state the essay question. Provide a brief overview of the two main types of socialization: primary and secondary.
Arguments for the Greater Influence of Secondary Socialization
Media:
- Omnipresence of media consumption and its long-lasting effects.
Religion:
- Powerful influence of religion on norms and values.
Preparation for Roles in Society:
- School and other institutions equip individuals with skills and knowledge for various roles.
Adaptation to Society:
- Need for re-socialization as individuals move through different roles and stages of life.
Education:
- Significant impact of education on individuals' knowledge, values, and behaviors.
Peer Groups:
- Influence of peer groups on shaping behaviors and reinforcing norms.
Workplace:
- Adoption of workplace norms and values for success.
Law and Order:
- Control and influence exerted by agencies of law and order.
Other Arguments:
- Mention any additional relevant arguments in support of secondary socialization's greater influence.
Arguments for the Greater Influence of Primary Socialization
Initial and Foundational Learning:
- Primary socialization establishes the initial norms, values, and rules.
Importance of the Family:
- Key role of the family in shaping identities, including gender identities.
Conditional Nature of Secondary Socialization:
- Success of secondary socialization depends on prior effective primary socialization.
Blurred Boundaries in Modern Society:
- Expansion of primary socialization to settings outside the family, such as nurseries and playgroups.
Parsons' Perspective:
- Primary socialization as an essential function of the family.
Emotional Bonds:
- Strong emotional bonds within the family enhance the effectiveness of norm transmission.
Foundation of Human Behavior:
- Primary socialization is the initial stage where individuals learn to be human.
Other Arguments:
- Include any additional relevant arguments in support of primary socialization's greater influence.
Conclusion
Summarize the key arguments presented for both sides. Discuss the relative importance of primary and secondary socialization and their combined impact on an individual's development.
Provide a balanced conclusion that acknowledges the complex and multifaceted nature of socialization and its varying influences at different stages of life.
To What Extent is Secondary Socialisation More Influential than Primary Socialisation for an Individual?
Socialisation, the process of learning societal norms and values, is crucial in shaping individuals. While primary socialisation, primarily within the family, lays the foundation, secondary socialisation, occurring through institutions like education and media, plays a significant role in further moulding individuals. This essay will explore the extent to which secondary socialisation supersedes primary socialisation's influence, examining arguments from both perspectives.
Arguments for the Dominance of Secondary Socialisation:
Proponents of secondary socialisation's greater influence highlight the pervasive nature of institutions like media. With individuals spending increasing time consuming media, its impact on shaping perceptions and values is undeniable. Studies, such as those by Gerbner et al. (Cultivation Theory), suggest a correlation between media consumption and perceptions of violence in society (Gerbner et al., 1980).
Furthermore, education significantly impacts individuals. Spending years within the education system exposes individuals to knowledge, skills, and values essential for navigating wider society. This process equips them for roles beyond the family, preparing them for the workforce and fostering social mobility.
The workplace itself becomes an agent of re-socialisation, demanding adherence to specific norms and values for success. Similarly, institutions like the legal system, through law enforcement, exert control and influence behaviour, ensuring conformity to societal rules.
Arguments for the Enduring Influence of Primary Socialisation:
Conversely, advocates for primary socialisation's enduring influence argue that it provides the fundamental building blocks for social interaction. Within the family, individuals learn foundational norms, values, and behaviours, including crucial aspects like gender identity. These early learnings shape our understanding of the world and form the basis for future social interactions.
Parsons, a prominent sociologist, emphasised the family's indispensable role in primary socialisation, highlighting its contribution to social stability (Parsons, 1955). The strong emotional bonds within families enhance the transmission and internalisation of norms and values, making primary socialisation deeply ingrained.
It is argued that without successful primary socialisation, the effectiveness of secondary socialisation would be limited. If individuals lack the basic understanding of rules, communication, and interaction instilled during primary socialisation, their ability to engage with and learn from institutions like schools and workplaces would be compromised.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while secondary socialisation undeniably plays a significant role in shaping individuals, particularly in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, primary socialisation within the family provides the bedrock upon which all subsequent social learning is built. The two processes are not mutually exclusive but rather interlinked and mutually reinforcing. While secondary socialisation equips individuals with specific skills and knowledge for navigating wider society, it is the values, norms, and understanding of social interaction learned during primary socialisation that form the foundation for all future learning and adaptation.
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To what extent is secondary socialisation more influential than primary socialisation for an individual?
Arguments for:
- The media is omnipresent, and evidence shows that people spend increasing amounts of time consuming media, many argue it has a direct and long-lasting effect. - Religion in many societies is extremely powerful and able to dictate the norms and values that should be upheld. - Secondary socialisation equips young people for the world beyond the family, e.g., school teaches skills and knowledge needed for the workplace. - Due to our complex and ever-changing society, people have to adapt to new roles and hence often require re-socialisation, e.g., joining the army. - Education has a huge effect on individuals in many different ways, and many people in modern industrial societies spend many years in educational institutions. - Peer groups can exert pressure on individuals, shaping their behaviors. - The workplace often has its own norms and values, and employees must adopt the appropriate behaviors to succeed. - The agencies of law and order can control individuals and influence their behavior, ensuring people follow the law and legal behavior patterns. - Any other reasonable response.
Arguments against:
- Primary socialisation is where we first learn norms and values and learn to follow rules. - The family is a key institution in shaping our identities, particularly our gender identities. - Without successful primary socialisation, it would be unlikely that the institutions of secondary socialisation would be effective. - In modern industrial society, children may receive primary socialisation in nurseries/playgroups, some argue that boundaries between primary and secondary socialisation are breaking down. - Parsons argues one of the essential functions of the family is the primary socialisation of children, and its importance can’t be understated. - Strong emotional bonds in the family make it effective in transmitting norms and values. - Primary socialisation is the first form of socialisation where we learn to be human. - Any other reasonable response.