An Introduction To People and Society

1. What is meant by the term socialisation?

Socialisation is the way in which we are shaped by our society into being the people who we are now. We are all part of something called the socialisation process, were we learn the appropriate behaviour accepted by society i.e.: the culture of our society such as dressing, thinking and speaking to name but a few. Sociologists use terms such as norms, values and roles to describe these. There are four types of socialisation, the first of which is known as primary socialisation – this refers to early childhood (from birth) and what we learn from those who influence us most at this time. These people are usually our immediate family and carers. The second is secondary socialisation which refers to late childhood and adulthood, this is not learned from family but from school, workplace and many others including the media. There is also formal/informal socialisation

2. Each culture contains a large number of guidelines that direct behaviour, explain the role of norms within society and explain how they differ from culture to culture.

The norms within society differ depending on the type of society and culture. The norms can be different because of religion, gender, social upbringing etc. There are both informal and formal norms (set of rules in society which explains acceptably correct behaviour). In general most societies disapprove of those who do not conform to the social norms and in some cases this unacceptable behaviour is punished. In the UK it is considered normal for us to eat using a knife in fork whereas in Japan they use chopsticks and in Bali they use their hands mainly. Many gestures also have a varied meaning depending on which culture or country you are in for example: nodding your head up and down means Yes in the UK however in Greece this same