Socialization is the process by which culture is learned; also called enculturation. During socialization individuals internalize a culture's social controls, along with values and norms about right and wrong. Socialization is a complex process that involves many individuals, groups, and social institutions.

AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION

There are four main agents of socialization family, school, peer groups (friends and collogues), and mass media.

The family is the single most important agent of socialization because the family is the first and most continuous social world for infants and children. The family provides the child's initial social identity in terms of race, religion, social class, and gender. In time, all these elements become part of the child's self-concept. The family is responsible for the child's social foundation and role in society and plays a vital role of teaching children skills, values and beliefs. Research indicates that children brought up in...