Socialisation, culture and identity

What is culture

The ideas, customs and social behaviour of a particular people or society

What is norms

Expected patterns of behaviour that are based on the values of a culture e.g attitudes to divorce

What are values

Values are general principles or goals they tell us what is good and what we should aim for e.g British values such as tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

What is subcultures

A culture within a culture - a smaller group of people who share distinctive norms and values within a wider culture e.g teddy boys

What is high culture

Associated with the upper class, seen as intellectually and aesthetically superior because they represent the highest level of human creativity e.g theatre, ballet, fine art

What is popular culture

Cultural products and practices which are enjoyed and appreciated by the majority of ordinary people. Seen as inferior to high culture - superficial and dumbed down entertainment encourages materialism at the expense of critical thinking e.g watching television or reading magazines

What is global culture

Growing trend of culture and consumer products and activities becoming universal where brands, films etc become identical across many different countries. National cultures lose their distinctiveness e.g trade ,entertainment and leisure

What is consumer culture

Cultural context in which the buying and using of goods and services shapes peoples lifestyles, identities and social relations rather than simply meeting basic needs

Inter cultural diversity

Refers to difference between cultures, norms and values vary between cultures. Huge diversity around the world in terms of language, food, lifestyle and clothing

What is intra cultural diversity

Refers to cultural differences between societies e.g age, gender and sexuality

What is cultural hybridity

Two or more distinct cultures merge resulting in new cultural forms, identities or practices that draw on elements of each original culture e.g music , afrobeats e.g food Thai fusion

Relative nature of norms,values and culture

This means they are not fixed and are not the same for all people and in all situations

What is socialisation

The process by which an individual learns the norms and values of a society

What is primary socialisation

A stage of intimate and prolonged relationship with family and takes place during the early stages of life 0-5 where young children learn the basic norms, values and behaviours of their culture

What is secondary socialisation

A life long process that continues beyond childhood and fundamentally takes place outside of the family where individuals learn society’s norms and values through institutions such as education, peers, media, and the workplace

Family - agent of socialisation

The family teaches fundamental social skills, emotional boundaries and moral boundaries through imitation, rewards and sanctions

Peer group - Agent of socialisation

Friends and social groups of similar age provide a sense of belonging and acceptance and often influence attitudes, music toasters and behaviour

The media - Agent of socialisation

Through television, films, news and especially social media individuals are exposed to cultural norms, values and ideals that shape their understanding of identity ,gender, body image and success

Religion - Agent of socialisation

Transmits moral values, beliefs and practices that guide behaviour and shape identity. Religious institutions teach followers codes of conduct, community belonging and a daily sense of purpose.

Education - Agent of socialisation

Schools formally teach academic knowledge but also informally socialise students through the ‘hidden curriculum’ - the unspoken rules and values that promote conformity , respect for authority and competition.

Workplace - Agent of socialisation

It introduces individuals to professional norms, rules and values associated with their occupation. Workers learn appropriate behaviour, dress codes , communication styles and expectations for performance

Police - Formal agency of social control

The police are responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing laws. They investigate crimes, apprehend offenders, and ensure compliance with legal standards

Law/legal system - Formal agency of social control

The law provides a formal framework of rules that define acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in society.

Courts - Formal agency of social control

Courts interpret and apply the law, deciding guilt or innocence in criminal cases and settling civil disputes. Through sentencing and rulings, they reinforce societal norms and act as a deterrent to rule-breaking

Government - Formal agency of social control

The government creates, implements, and enforces laws and policies that shape behaviour across society

Military - Formal agency of social control

It enforces laws in emergencies and upholds social order, particularly in situations where other agencies cannot operate effectively.

Family - Informal agency of social control

Primary agent of socialization; teaches norms and values through guidance, approval, and disapproval rather than laws.

Peer groups - Informal agency of social control

Influence behavior through shared norms and peer pressure; conformity is encouraged, and deviance may lead to ridicule or exclusion.

Media - Informal agency of social control

Shapes perceptions of acceptable behavior and societal standards; reinforces or challenges norms via messages, advertising, and social platforms.

Religion - Informal agency of social control

Promotes moral codes and ethical behavior; informal sanctions include guilt, shame, or spiritual consequences.

Education - Informal agency of social control

Transmits norms and values through formal teaching and the hidden curriculum; enforces discipline and conformity.

Workplace - Informal agency of social control

Encourages conformity through culture, policies, and peer expectations; informal sanctions include gossip or ostracism.

What is identity

Understanding how people defined themselves and are defined by others

What is ethnicity

A sense of cultural awareness and identity within groups that share a common history or heritage - Marsh and Keeting