Welcome to IGCSE Sociology Chapter 4, which focuses on Culture and Socialisation. Culture refers to the shared way of life of a group of people. It includes several key components: norms, which are expected behaviors; values, which are shared beliefs about what is important; beliefs, which are shared ideas about how the world works; language, which is a shared system of communication; and customs and traditions, which are established practices. These elements together form what we call culture.
Let's explore the different types of culture. High culture is associated with elite social groups and includes activities like opera, classical music, and fine art. Popular culture consists of mass-produced cultural products such as TV shows, pop music, and social media content. A subculture is a group with distinct norms and values within the mainstream culture. A counterculture actively rejects and opposes mainstream cultural norms. Finally, global culture refers to cultural elements that are shared across national boundaries, often facilitated by technology and globalization.
Socialisation is the process through which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors of their society. There are two main types of socialisation. Primary socialisation occurs in early childhood, typically from birth to around 5 years of age. It takes place mainly within the family and forms the basic identity and personality of an individual. Secondary socialisation occurs throughout the rest of life, from childhood through adulthood. It takes place outside the family in institutions like schools, peer groups, media, religion, and the workplace. Secondary socialisation teaches specialized knowledge and roles needed to function in society.
Agents of socialisation are the social institutions and groups that influence an individual's socialization process. The family is the primary agent of socialisation, teaching basic norms, values, and behaviors during early childhood. Educational institutions provide formal learning of knowledge and social skills. Peer groups, consisting of friends and age-mates, significantly influence attitudes and behaviors, especially during adolescence. Media, including television, internet, and social media, shapes perceptions and values through mass communication. Religion teaches moral values and cultural traditions. Finally, the workplace teaches occupational roles and organizational culture in adulthood. All these agents work together to shape an individual's identity and place in society.
Different sociological perspectives offer unique insights into culture and socialisation. Functionalism views culture and socialisation as mechanisms that maintain social order and stability. Each agent of socialisation has a specific function in society, and shared values create social cohesion. Marxism, on the other hand, argues that culture reflects the interests of the ruling class. According to this perspective, socialisation reproduces class inequality, and institutions like media and education reinforce the dominant ideology. Interactionism focuses on everyday interactions and meanings. This micro-level approach suggests that individuals actively interpret cultural symbols, and identity is formed through social interactions. These theoretical perspectives provide different lenses through which we can understand how culture is transmitted and how individuals become integrated into society.