Choose two different groups that you are a part of. This may include a religious group, family, school, community, neighborhood, media, etc. These are the “agents of socialization.” These groups should be specific, meaning, do not just choose “school.” Rather, pick one school you have attended, such as a university, your high school, or middle school. and answer the question:
Introduction: Briefly provide an explanation of the two agents of socialization you chose and why you picked them. For full points, consider answering the following:Which groups did you choose?Are they recent or from long ago? Are they short-term or long term?Why have these groups been so influential in your socialization?Content: The main body should tell the story of your involvement in these two groups. Use your sociological imagination to analyze the socialization process. However, you must include the content listed below. and include the following:Describe the group and how you came to be a part of it: Who is in the group? How are they related to you? Why did you join the group? Was this a choice?
i. According to the chapter on groups and networks, what kind of group is it and why?
Describe your status within the group: What is your status? How did you come to have that status?Describe two of your roles within the group: What is each of these roles? How did you come to have those roles?Describe two distinct forms of communication that are used in the group: signs/symbols, gestures, and language. What is the form of communication? Why is it distinct to this group? What meanings does it have to this group?Describe one value, one norm, and one sanction that the group upholds. For each of these: What is the value/norm/sanction? Why is it significant to this group? Does it have any particular meaning specific to this group?
i. Note: Ideally they should be related to each other. Remember that norms are how values are put into action, and sanctions are how norms are enforced.
Keep in mind that you need to be as thorough as possible. I expect you to reference course material at least five times throughout the project, beyond any concept definitions. You might use an example that we discussed in class, or explain some nuances of a concept following the textbook’s explanation. Be sure to cite your sources as you incorporate course material.
3. Conclusion: Explain the ways your life choices were constrained and enabled by these agents of socialization. For full points, consider answering the following:
What does it mean to look at your life through a sociological lens?Does it change the way you look at how you were raised, or how you came to be involved with these groups?In what ways to do you see the different agents of socialization interacting? For example, how do the institutions (such as family and school) interact to reinforce similar values/norms/beliefs? In what ways do institutions conflict and thereby promote opposing values/norms/beliefs?What new questions or perspectives do you find yourself asking or exploring, based on your use of your sociological imagination?
