Agencies of Socialisation

Socialisation turns a child into a useful member of

society and gives him social maturity. Therefore, it is

of paramount importance to know as to who socialises

with the child. There are two sources of child’s

socialisation. The first includes those who have

authority over her, the second are those who are

similar to the child. The first category may include

parents, teachers, elderly persons and the state. The

second one includes peer groups, friends and fellows

in the club. Briefly the main agencies of socialization

are the following.

Primary Agencies

i) The Family

The parents or family constitute the first agency for

the socialisation of the child. They are not only closely

related to the child but physically also they are nearer

to him than others. From the parents children learn

language. They are taught societal morality. They

start respecting persons in authority. In the family a

child learns a number of civic virtues. The family

therefore, is rightly called “the cradle of social

virtues”. A child gets her first lesson in cooperation,

tolerance, self sacrifice, love and affection in the

family. The environment of a family influences almost

all aspects of growth of a child.

ii) Neighbourhood

The neighbourhood is the second important agency of

socialisation. Good neighbourhood can make a child to

grow as a positive person and responsible citizen.

iii) Peer Group or the Play Mates

The peer group and friends also constitute an important

agency of socialisation. The relationship between the

child and her playmates is one of equality. As stated

above, the child acquires co-operative morality and

some of the informal aspects of culture like fashion,

fads, crazes, modes of gratification and forbidden

knowledge. The knowledge of these things is necessary

from the social point of view.

118 Introduction to Social Work

iv) The School

The school is also a very important agency of

socialisation. In the school the child gets education

which moulds the ideas and attitudes. Proper or

adequate education can make the child a good citizen,

while a bad education can turn him into a criminal.

Education is of great importance for the process of

socialisation. A well planned system of education can

produce competent people.

Secondary Agencies of Socialization

All the above mentioned agencies are known as primary

agencies of socialisation. There are few other agencies

of socialisation which are known as secondary agencies

of socialisation, They include

i) Religion

Religion has been an important factor in society. In

the early history of societies religion provided a bond

of unity. Though in modern society the importance of

religion has diminished, yet it continues to mould our

beliefs and ways of life. The child sees his parents

going to the temple and performing religious

ceremonies, and listens to religious sermons which

may determine the course of life and shaped his

ideas.

ii) The State

The state is an authoritarian agency of socialisation.

It makes law for the people and lays down the modes

of conduct expected of them. The people have

compulsorily to obey these laws. If they fail to adjust

their behaviour in accordance with the law of the

state, they may be punished for such failures. Thus

the state also moulds a person’s behaviour and

personality.