Agent S 
Agents of socialization are groups that we are a part of that shape us significantly throughout our life. Often, the influence these groups have are taken-for-granted so we don't realize the significant impact they have on us. One way to look at them is secret agents.
Some significant finds regarding agents of socialization are:
Family - the first agent that has often the greatest impact on a person. Families intentionally teach skills, values and beliefs (manifest lessons), but they also can teach unintentional (latent) lessons. It is funny that with so much opportunity in America, how often students pursue careers related to what their parents do. Is this true for you? How are you shaped by parents or friends? Check out this post about 7 things good parents do that screw up their kids. (and do worksheet) Humorous, but based on real research. Research shows telling your kid "you are so smart" is actually harmful to their learning. The reason is because it creates a "fixed mindset." Therefore if we are told we are good at math and then we do bad at math-it tells us we really aren't that good and so we quit trying to find ways to learn. Another example might be if you write a paper and the teacher grades it high. A student might think they are a good paper writer but then they go to another class and the teacher grade the student's papers low. The student's "fixed mindset" may prohibit them of looking at the real problem which is their paper and they place the blame on the teacher.
Friends/Peer Groups - Starts especially because of school and peer groups, becomes significant.
School - also teaches both manifest lessons like reading and writing and latent lessons like patriotism and obedience.
Religion - important even if you are not religiously involved yourself.
Day Care - significant findings that there is less of a bond with mothers if child attends daycare, but daycare kids develop more language skills.
Sports Teaches things like hard work, achievement, teamwork and competitiveness. Can be good or bad.
Work Work affects adults so much that it becomes a part of their identity. For example, "What do you do?" Is a popular greeting when you meet someone new. When adults retire, they often have trouble adjusting to a new life without work because there is a loss in identity.
Neighborhoods-surrounding/environment
Media
We will watch Merchants of Cool, (click here for video) though a little older, highlights the media's impact on teens. You may be amazed just how much impact the media plays in our socialization.
Check out this video and do the assignment on agents of socialization.
Agents of Socialization:
Watch the youtube.com video. Prepare a list of the aspects of your life for which you have been socialized. Your list should have a minimum of 5 agents of socialization and a detailed explanation of how each agent of socialization taught or prepared you for society.
And at the end of the video check out the home school vs. public education cartoon. Jot down your thoughts on just how much school has influenced who you are.
Agents of socialization are groups that we are a part of that shape us significantly throughout our life. Often, the influence these groups have are taken-for-granted so we don't realize the significant impact they have on us. One way to look at them is secret agents.
Some significant finds regarding agents of socialization are:
Family - the first agent that has often the greatest impact on a person. Families intentionally teach skills, values and beliefs (manifest lessons), but they also can teach unintentional (latent) lessons. It is funny that with so much opportunity in America, how often students pursue careers related to what their parents do. Is this true for you? How are you shaped by parents or friends? Check out this post about 7 things good parents do that screw up their kids. (and do worksheet) Humorous, but based on real research. Research shows telling your kid "you are so smart" is actually harmful to their learning. The reason is because it creates a "fixed mindset." Therefore if we are told we are good at math and then we do bad at math-it tells us we really aren't that good and so we quit trying to find ways to learn. Another example might be if you write a paper and the teacher grades it high. A student might think they are a good paper writer but then they go to another class and the teacher grade the student's papers low. The student's "fixed mindset" may prohibit them of looking at the real problem which is their paper and they place the blame on the teacher.
Friends/Peer Groups - Starts especially because of school and peer groups, becomes significant.
School - also teaches both manifest lessons like reading and writing and latent lessons like patriotism and obedience.
Religion - important even if you are not religiously involved yourself.
Day Care - significant findings that there is less of a bond with mothers if child attends daycare, but daycare kids develop more language skills.
Sports Teaches things like hard work, achievement, teamwork and competitiveness. Can be good or bad.
Work Work affects adults so much that it becomes a part of their identity. For example, "What do you do?" Is a popular greeting when you meet someone new. When adults retire, they often have trouble adjusting to a new life without work because there is a loss in identity.
Neighborhoods-surrounding/environment
Media
We will watch Merchants of Cool, (click here for video) though a little older, highlights the media's impact on teens. You may be amazed just how much impact the media plays in our socialization.
Check out this video and do the assignment on agents of socialization.
Agents of Socialization:
Watch the youtube.com video. Prepare a list of the aspects of your life for which you have been socialized. Your list should have a minimum of 5 agents of socialization and a detailed explanation of how each agent of socialization taught or prepared you for society.
And at the end of the video check out the home school vs. public education cartoon. Jot down your thoughts on just how much school has influenced who you are.
