Culture and Socialization
Defining Culture
Culture includes learned patterns of meaning, values, norms, symbols, knowledge and practices shared by members of a social group. Culture is learned rather than biologically inherited.
Dimensions of Culture
Material culture includes physical objects and technologies; non-material culture includes values, beliefs, norms and symbols. The two interact: technologies can change social practices, while cultural values influence how technologies are used.
Socialization
Socialization is the lifelong process through which people learn the norms, values, roles and practices needed for participation in society. It begins in childhood but continues as people enter new roles and institutions.
Agencies of Socialization
Family, school, peer groups, media and workplaces can all influence socialisation. Their influence may reinforce one another or sometimes conflict.
Explained MCQs
- Why is culture described as learned?
Answer: People acquire cultural meanings and practices through interaction and socialisation.
Explanation: Language, norms, customs and values are learned from social environments rather than inherited genetically. - Can socialisation continue in adulthood?
Answer: Yes.
Explanation: New jobs, marriage, parenthood, migration and other life changes require people to learn new expectations and roles.
Competency Question
A child learns one set of expectations at home and encounters different expectations at school. Explain how multiple agencies of socialisation can shape behaviour and why conflict between them may occur.
Quick Revision
- Culture = learned meanings and practices
- Material and non-material culture
- Socialisation as lifelong learning
- Family, school, peers, media and workplace