Active learning ideas
Socialisation is the process by which individuals learn the norms and values of their society. This topic explores primary socialisation within the family and secondary socialisation through agencies like education, peer groups, the media, and religion. Students compare functionalist views (socialisation as consensus-building) with Marxist and feminist views (socialisation as a tool for social control).
Activity 01
Groups are assigned an agency (e.g., the media or the peer group). They must act out a scene showing how that agency teaches a specific norm, such as 'how to dress' or 'how to behave in a queue'.
How does the family act as an agency of primary socialisation?
Activity 02
Students look at a selection of children's TV shows or adverts. In small groups, they identify the 'hidden messages' about gender roles or consumerism that these media products are transmitting to young audiences.
What role do peer groups play in secondary socialisation?
Activity 03
Students consider the case of 'feral children' who grew up without human contact. They discuss with a partner what this tells us about the importance of socialisation versus biological instinct.
How do functionalists and Marxists view the socialisation process differently?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Socialisation is something that only happens to children.
Socialisation is a lifelong process. We undergo 'resocialisation' whenever we start a new job or move to a new country. A 'life-stages' mapping activity can help students see that they are still being socialised as young adults in college.
We are passive victims of socialisation.
While agencies are powerful, individuals can resist or interpret norms in their own way. Using a 'resistance role play' where students find ways to challenge a social norm helps them understand the concept of 'agency' alongside 'structure'.
Methods used in this brief