Page 17 - 07_Social Studies and Population Education Book 7_2078 Revised and Updated Edition

Lesson
4 AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION

Socialization is an endless process. The process of socialization goes from birth
to death. There are many agents of socialization. The practices, traditions and
institutions which help us to be socialized are called agents of socialization.
Family, parents, peers/friends, teachers, mass media, etc are some examples of
agents of socialization. The agents of socialization can be categorized as primary

and secondary agents.
I. Primary Agents

The agents or means which help an individual to become socialized
informally are primary agents. The process of socialization for an individual

begins in informal, primary or micro social institutions like family, parents,
neighbourhood, etc. The socialization which takes place during infancy usually
within the family is the most

important aspect of the socialization
process. The primary agents of
socialization are:

Family

Peers and friends group
Neighbourhood

Kin groups/relatives

Marriage
Sharing amongst neighbourhood
Customs, festivals, etc.
II. Secondary Agents

The secondary agents of socialization help us to be socialized in a formal
environment. Educational and occupational institutions are the important

secondary agents of socialization. Socialization is not only confined to our
childhood and within our immediate community but extends to various groups

We and Our Community 17