Culture and Socialisation: Culture, Norms, Values and Agents of Socialisation
What the exam tests
This domain tests your understanding of culture as learned and shared, the difference between norms and values, and the process and agents of socialisation. Expect questions on primary and secondary socialisation and on media or peer influence.
Core rules and concepts
- Culture is learned, shared, transmitted and symbolic; it includes material and non-material elements.
- Norms are rules of behaviour: folkways, mores and laws; values are shared ideals; sanctions enforce norms.
- Socialisation is the process of learning culture and becoming a social member; it continues across life.
- Primary socialisation occurs in the family; secondary socialisation occurs in school, peer groups, media and workplace.
- Agents include family, school, peers, media, religion and workplace; re-socialisation occurs in new settings.
Worked example
A child learns to say 'thank you'. The family praises the child, school reinforces politeness, and media models it. The child internalises a norm backed by the value of respect. This shows socialisation as learned and reinforced, not instinctive.
Traps that cost marks
- Equating culture only with art or 'high culture'.
- Confusing norms with values.
- Believing socialisation ends in childhood.
- Ignoring media and peer groups as agents.