Socialization is intended to turn us into conforming members of society. As a result, we are under considerable pressure to “do the right thing.” Explain how socialization would also be useful in explaining the behavior of the numerous individuals, from white-collar criminals to wife abusers, who deviate from social norms.

Identify the major agents of socialization in Canadian society today and briefly describe the role
of each in the socialization process.

1 Explain why socialization matters.

2 Provide examples of agents of socialization.

3 Explain the difference between primary and secondary groups and how in-groups and out-groups fit into primary and secondary groups.

4 How does group size influence group dynamics?

Socialization is presented as such a powerful social process that students sometimes have the impression that people are empty vessels filled with social messages—“this is what you should eat, wear, and say,” for example. However, socialization theorists usually accept that each of us is actively involved in the social construction of the self. Consider the ways in which you, as a young child, were not simply a reflection of the socialization messages you received from parents, siblings, peers, and school.