Secondary socialisation is the vital process through which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors expected of them by society, primarily from agents outside their immediate family unit. This crucial stage of development takes place when a child learns the values, beliefs and attitudes of their culture through those outside of the family, such as teachers, friends and the media.
Understanding the Concept
Unlike primary socialisation, which typically occurs within the family and lays the foundational understanding of the world, secondary socialisation expands an individual's social horizons. It introduces them to the wider societal expectations, diverse perspectives, and specific roles they will occupy in different social settings. This process continues throughout an individual's life, adapting them to new environments and roles, from schooling to the workplace and beyond.
Key Agents of Secondary Socialisation
Several external groups and institutions play a significant role in shaping an individual during secondary socialisation. These agents impart specific values, norms, and skills that are essential for functioning within broader society.
Here's a breakdown of common agents:
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities teach not only academic subjects but also hidden curricula.
- Examples: Punctuality, discipline, respect for authority, teamwork, and competition. They prepare individuals for their future roles in society and the workforce.
- Peer Groups: As individuals grow, their peer groups become increasingly influential, often shaping personal identity, social skills, and trends.
- Examples: Learning about social hierarchies, conflict resolution, conforming to group norms, and experimenting with different identities.
- Media: Television, social media, movies, music, and news outlets transmit cultural values, beliefs, and attitudes on a large scale.
- Examples: Influencing opinions, shaping perceptions of beauty or success, reinforcing or challenging stereotypes, and disseminating cultural narratives.
- Religious Institutions: For those who participate, religious organizations instill moral codes, spiritual beliefs, and community values.
- Examples: Teaching ethical behavior, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing a framework for understanding life's purpose.
- Workplace: Entering the workforce introduces individuals to professional norms, organizational culture, and specific job-related skills and ethics.
- Examples: Learning professional conduct, hierarchy, teamwork, problem-solving in a professional context, and industry-specific jargon.
How Secondary Socialisation Works
Secondary socialisation involves various mechanisms:
- Observation and Imitation: Individuals observe the behavior of others in different social contexts and often imitate what they see.
- Explicit Instruction: Teachers, coaches, and supervisors directly teach rules, procedures, and expectations.
- Sanctions: Positive (rewards) and negative (punishments) sanctions are applied to encourage conformity to group norms.
- Role-Taking: Through participation in various groups, individuals learn to take on different roles and understand the expectations associated with them.
Distinguishing from Primary Socialisation
While both are crucial, secondary socialisation differs significantly from its primary counterpart, as highlighted in the table below:
| Feature | Primary Socialisation | Secondary Socialisation |
|---|---|---|
| Main Agent | Family (parents, siblings, close relatives) | Teachers, friends, media, colleagues, religious leaders |
| Location | Home environment | Schools, workplaces, peer groups, public spaces, virtual platforms |
| Focus | Basic values, language, fundamental social skills | Specific roles, broader societal norms, adapting to diverse groups |
| Nature | Emotional, intimate, foundational | Formal, impersonal, role-specific, often reinforcing/modifying initial learning |
| Duration | Childhood | Continues throughout life |
Importance and Impact
Secondary socialisation is fundamental for an individual's integration into society. It prepares individuals for roles beyond the family, fosters a sense of collective identity, and helps maintain social order by transmitting cultural heritage. It also plays a critical role in shaping an individual's political views, consumer habits, and overall worldview, allowing them to navigate and contribute to the complex social fabric.
