As Sociology For Aqa - Socialisation.

Front 1

What are the Marxist views of socialization?

Back 1

Marxists believe that we are socialised into society by being taught the norms, values and customs of our society. But through our parents (who are also exploited) we are socialised into a traditional gender, working role. This benefits the Bourgeoisie/capitalist class/ruling class who seek to own the means of production and impose a state of false class consciousness on the proletariat (working class) through ruling class ideology. For example; Zaretsky (1976) argued that the ruling class instil norms and values in us such as obedience. Marxists also believe in concepts such as 'hidden curriculum'.

Front 2

What are the Postmodernist views of socialization?

Back 2

Postmodernists take a different approach. They believe that we are not transmitted the norms and values of our society through agents of socialization in order to benefit rich businessmen. They argue that in a postmodern society such as ours (which celebrates diversity), we as consumers choose our identity and pick up the norms and customs of our society ourselves. This is through personal experience.

Front 3

What are the Functionalist views of socialization?

Back 3

Functionalists accept that the norms, values and customs of our society are transmitted to us through primary and secondary agents of socialization. However they argue that this is a positive transmission and that we are taught these norms and values to adjust to our society and to enable us to thrive in adult life. (Workplace). The norms and values that we learn, we see as our own and not society's. For example; Talcott Parsons described the family as a 'personality factory'.

Front 4

What are the primary and secondary agents of socialization?

Back 4

Primary - parents and family. Parents can instil values in their children through the use of verbal sanctions.
Secondary - peers. Peer pressure can be a powerful influence over us. Also education, media and religion.