Becoming a Member of Society Agents of Socialization
Socialization
Man as a social being needs other people to survive.
We develop ourselves as human beings through our
social interaction. Socialization is a continuing process
whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and
learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills
appropriate to his and her social position
(http://wwwdictionarycom). The process of
socialization is very essential because it teaches us
how to behave and act within our society. Hence, it is
a continuous process in life. As people move from one
stage to another, such as from childhood to
adolescence, from adulthood to old age, or from one
group to another, they discard old ways of behaving
and learn new patterns of behavior (Panopio, 1994 p,
91).
Socialization can be described from two points of view:
objectively and subjectively (Palispis, 2007 p. 108).
Objective Socialization-- It refers to the society
acting upon the child.
Subjective Socialization--The process by which
society transmits its culture from one generation to the
next and adapts the individual to the accepted and
approved ways of organized social life.
This perspective on socialization helps identity
formation of individuals, which is essential in
establishing his/her social role. Likewise, it includes the
following functions:
1. Personality and Role Development -- It is
through the process of socialization that we
develop our sense of identity and belongingness.
2. Skills Development and Training -- The much-
needed soc1al skills such as communication,
interpersonal, and occupational are developed.
3. Values Formation -- Individuals are influenced or
engulfed by the prevailing values of social groups
and society.
4. Social Control and Stability – In integration to
society binds individuals to the control mechanism
set forth by society’s norms with regard to
acceptable social relationships and social behavior.
Source: Banaag Lee Mark T. (2012).Socio-Anthro: An
Integrated and Disciplinary Approach to the Study of Society
and Culture. Mandaluyong City: Book: Atbp. Publishing Corp.
Socialization continues to be an important part of
human development. It instrument on how an
individual will adapt to his existing environment in
order to survive. The process of socialization enables
the individual to grow and function socially (Medina,
1991 p. 47). Hence, the change in man's social reality
modifies his culture. Sociologists say that culture
comes “internalized", that the individual “imbibes” it,
and that in this way, “from the inside”, it continues to
influence his conduct (Palispis, 2007 p.112). The
importance of socialization is very vital in man’s daily
life.
Importance of Socialization
Socialization is vital to:
• Culture
• Sex role Differentiation
• Personality
1. Family
2. School
3. Church
4. Peer Group
5. Work Place
6. Mass Media
Socialization will not be take place without the agents
of socialization. These refer to the various social
groups or social institutions that play a significant role
in introducing and integrating the individual as an
accepted and functioning member of society. (Banaag,
2012 p. 133)
The agents of socialization guide every individual in
understanding what is happening in our society. People
learn to determine what is proper, right or wrong,
appropriate and inappropriate. Social norms were
formed in order to control individual behavior in a
given society. They are usually in a form of rules or
prescriptions followed by people who obey certain
standards or roles in society. The norms include
society's standards of morality, good manners,
legality, and integrity. The following are forms of social
norms:
1. Folkways
• These are the customary patterns that specify
what is socially correct and proper in everyday
life.
• They are the repetitive or the behaviors follow
within a group of community.
2. Mores
• They define what is morally right and morally
wrong.
• These are folkways with ethical and moral
significance, which are strongly held and
emphasized.
3. Laws
• These are norms that are enforced formally by
a special political organization.
• Component of culture that regulates and
controls the people’s behavior and conduct.
Source: Palispis Epitacio S. (2007) Introduction to sociology
and Anthropology. Manila: Rex Publishing corp.
Likewise, through socialization, individuals learn to
analyze and evaluate the appropriateness of things.
According to Peter Worsley, values are general
conceptions of "the good”, ideas about the kind of ends
that people should pursue throughout their lives and
throughout the many different activities in which they
engage. Value such as fundamental rights. patriotism,
respect for human dignity, rationality, sacrifice,
individuality, equality, democracy etc. guide our
behavior in many ways
(http/www.yourarticlelibrary.com). Hence, values are
relative depending on its context.
Robin Willams attempted to identify the major value
orientations of many societies.
• Achievement and Success
• Activity and Work
• Moral Orientation
• Humanitarianism
• Efficiency and Practicality
Source: Palispis Epitacio S. {2007). Introduction in Sociology
and Anthropology Manila. Rex Publishing Corp.
In a study about Filipino values, Jaime Bulatao,SJ,
discovered the following values held highly by the
Filipinos.
• Emotional Closeness and Security in the Family
• Authority Value
• Economic and Social Betterment
• Patience, Suffering, and Endurance
Source: Palispis Epitacio S. {2007). Introduction In Sociology
and Anthropology Manila. Rex Publishing Corp.
Socialization as a continuous process serves as an
avenue for developing self-concept, which is essential
in role identification. The self-responds to categories
called social statuses (Clark and Robboy, 1986 p.
65). The child must learn the categories or statuses by
which to identify or define himself or herself like being
a daughter, friend, student, Catholic lay evangelist,
secretary of the Book Lovers Club, etc (Panopio, 1994
p. 97). Social Status refers to the position an
individual occupies in society and implies an array of
right, and duties (Linton. 1936 p. 113) Related to
status is a social role which involves the pattern of
expected behavior in a social relationship with one or
more persons occupying other statuses (Panopio, 1994
p. 97). Social Statuses can be classified into two.
Ascribed Statuses
• Those, which are assigned to the individual from
birth.
• It involves little personal choice like age and sex.
• It carries with it certain expectations of behavior.
Achieved Statuses
It is acquired by choice, merit, or individual effort.
It is made possible through special abilities or talent,
performance, or opportunities.
Choices in occupation, marriage, joining a religious
organization are examples.
Source: Panopio, et. al. (I994).General Sociology Focus on
the Philippines, Quezon City: Ken Incorporated
Individuals learn their roles through the different
agents of socialization. This avenue, for socialization
molds the individuals in relation to the expected
behavior patterns. The essential in role-playing are
(Lindesmith, Strauss, and Denzin, 1975 p.400):
1. A definition of the role and an identification of self.
2. Behavior in given situations appropriate to the
role.
3. A background of related acts by others (counter
roles) which serve as cues to guide specific
performances.
4. An evaluation by the individual and by others of
the performance of the role.
Conformity and Deviance
The identification of one self in society is always
relative to his/her existing environment. Social role
must be performed in connection with the expected
behavior. Ewing Goffman, in his book. The
Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, tried to show how
certain social processes modify the presentation of self
and the impact of role expectations on the behavior of
an individual. To Goffman, everyone is consciously
playing a role. When persons present themselves to
others in everyday interaction, they organize their
overt behavior in such away as to guide and control
the impressions others form of them to elicit role-
taking response (Panopio, et.al, 1994p.99).
More so, it is a process of conformity where individuals
attempt to change his/her behavior because of the
desire to conform with defined social norm. Kelman
(1958) distinguished between the different types of
conformity: compliance, internalization, identification,
and ingratiational.
1. Compliance (or group acceptance). This occurs
when individual accepts influence because he
hopes to achieve a favorable reaction from another
person or group. He adopts the induced behavior
because she expects to gain specific rewards or
approval and avoids specific punishment or
disapproval by conformity. (Kelmen, 1958. p 53)
2. Mediation (genuine acceptance of group norms).
This occurs when an individual accepts influence
because the content of the induced behavior of
which it is composed—is intrinsically rewarding.
He adopts the induced behavior because it is
congruent or consistent with his value system.
(Kelmen, 1958,p. 53).
3. Internalization always involves public and private
conformity. A person publicly changes his
behavior to fit in with the group, while also
agreeing with others privately. This is the deepest
level conformity where the beliefs of the group
become part of the individuals own belief system.
4. Identification (or group membership). This
occurs when an individual accepts influence
because he wants to establish or maintain a
satisfying self-defining relationship to another
person or group (Kelman, 1958, p. 53).
Individuals conform to the expectations of a social
role, e.g. nurses, police officers. It is similar to
compliance, as there does not have to be a change
in private opinion.
5. Ingratiational. This is when a person conforms
to impress or gain favor/acceptance from other
people. It is similar to normative influence, but is
motivated by the need for social rewards rather
than the threat of rejection, i.e., group pressure
does not enter the decision to conform.
On the other hand, non-conformity of an individual
would mean deviation from acceptable social norms,
which is known as social deviance. Social deviance
refers to any behavior that differs or diverges from
established social norms (Banaag, 2012 p. 144). The
concept of deviance is complex because norms vary
considerably across groups, times, and places. In
other words, what one group may consider acceptable,
another consider deviant. (wwwcliifsnotes.com)
'
Functions of Deviance
Ronald W. Smith and Frederick W. Preston outlined
some functions, which deviances performs to support
the social system in the following:
Deviance serves as an outlet for diverse forms of
expression.
Deviance serves to define the limits of acceptable
behavior.
Deviance may also promote in-group solidarity.
Deviance can serve as a barometer of social strain
Source: Palispis, Epitacio S. (2007). Introduction to
Sociology and Anthropology Manila: Rex Publishing Corp.
Sociological Theories of Deviance
1. Functionalist Theory -- according to Emile
Durkheim, deviance can serve a number of
functions for society. He asserted that there is
nothing abnormal in deviance. He gave four major
functions of deviance:
'
a. Deviance affirms cultural values and norms.
b. Responding to deviance clarifies moral boundary
c. Responding to deviance promotes social unity
d. Deviance encourages social change
2. Strain Theory
Robert Merton argued that in an unequal society the
tension or strain between socially approved goals and
an individual's ability to meet those goals through
socially approved means will lead to deviance as
individuals rejects either the goals, the means, or
both.
Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org
Merton gave the following forms of deviance that
emerge from strain (Palispis 2007, p. 218- 219):
a. Conformity- It involves accepting both the cultural
goal of success and the use of legitimate means for
achieving that goal.
b. Innovation- This response involves accepting the
goal of success but rejecting the use of socially
accepted means of achieving it, turning instead to
unconventional, illegitimate means.
c. Ritualism – This occurs when people deemphasize
or reject the importance of success once they
realize they will never achieve it and instead
concentrate on following or enforcing these rules
than ever was intended.
d. Retreatism-This means withdrawal from society,
caring neither about success nor about working.
e. Rebellion –This occurs when people reject and
attempt to change both the goals and the means
approved by society.
Control Theory
Travis Hirschi assumed that the family, school, and
other social institutions can greatly contribute to social
order by controlling deviant tendencies in every
individual.
Social Control of Deviance
In order to regulate nonconformity with the social
norms, society created measures order to limit
deviance. Social control includes the use of behavioral
restraints to encourage people to follow set social
expectations.
There are two types of sanctions:
Informal Sanctions
• These are unofficial, often casual pressures to
conform.
• Positive informal sanctions involve reward for
conformity of compliance. Examples are: smiles,
kiss, an affirmation, or words of approval.
• Negative sanctions or informal sanctions involve
penalties for not conforming. These may take the
form of ridicule, ostracism, rejection, or even
expulsion from the group.
Formal Sanctions
These are official, institutionalized incentives to
conform and penalties for deviance.
These are needed in large, complex societies.
The criminal justice system is the most important and
visible institution of social control.
These may take the form of arrest, pre-trial,
sentencing, or imprisonment.
Source: Palispis, Epitacio S. (2007). Introduction to
Sociology and Anthropology Manila: Rex Publishing Corp.
Human Rights and Dignity
Source: https://ph.images.search.yahoo.com
Human rights are natural rights of all human beings
whatever their nationality, religion, ethnicity, sex,
language, and color. We are equally entitled to our
human rights without discrimination (www.ohchr.org).
Hence, human rights are inalienable rights protect our
dignity as human beings. There are different kinds of
rights people enjoy in a democratic society, namely:
1. Natural Rights. These are rights inherent to man
and given to him by God as a human being.
Examples of these are the right to live, love and be
happy.
2. Constitutional Rights. These are the rights
guaranteed a under the fundamental charter of the
country. Examples of these rights are the rights
against unreasonable searches and seizures, the
rights against bill of attainder, and the rights
safeguarding the accused under the Bill of Rights
3. Statutory Rights. These are rights provided by
the lawmaking body of a country or by law, such
the right to receive a minimum wage and the right
to preliminary investigation
4. Civil Rights. These are rights specified under the
Bill of Rights, such as freedom of speech, right to
information. These are rights enjoyed by an
individual by virtue of his citizenship a state or
community.
5. Economic Rights. These are rights to property,
whether personal, real, or intellectual: Some
examples of these rights include the following:
right to use and dispose his property, the right to
practice one's profession, and right to make a
living.
6. Political Rights. These are rights an individual
enjoys as a consequence of being a member of
body politic. Some examples of political rights are
the following: right to vote and right to be voted
into public office.
Source: Garcia, Carlito D. (2010). Philippine History and
Government for College Students. Mandaluyong City: Books
Atbp Publishing Corporation.
The protection of the different rights of human beings
promotes the notion of human dignity. Dignity of
human being is an essential concept in the society as
well as in morality, because through it the quality and
honor of the people can be determined, and from the
sense of dignity the concept of human rights can also
be measured (http: www.crvp.org). The knowledge
and understanding of individuals of their basic human
rights will help in identifying their duties and
responsibilities as members of society. Likewise, the
role of the agents of socialization will help the
each individual to become a productive member of
society.
HUMAN DIGNITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT
HUMAN RIGHT FROM WHICH. ALL OTHER
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS DERIVE
Process Questions
1. How does socialization help in the development of
individuals to become a productive member of
society?
2. Why is social conformity important in society?
B. Comprehension
Directions: Write the letter “ T “ for TRUE if the
statement is correct and “ F” for FALSE if it is not.
1. A conformist utilizes positive success goal and
legitimate means.
2. Innovation involves accepting the goal of success
but rejecting the use of socially accepted means to
achieve it.
3. Retreatists are people who deemphasize or reject
the importance of success once they realize they
will never achieve it and instead concentrate on
enforcing rules.
4. Rebellion means withdrawal from society, wanting
neither success nor work.
5. Social control refers to the efforts of a group or
society to regulate the behavior of its members.
6. Social control is intended to motivate people to
obey social expectations.
7. Ridicule, ostracism, and rejection are examples of
informal sanctions.
8. The criminal justice system is the most important
and visible institution of social control.
9. Natural rights are rights inherent to man and given
to him by God as human being.

Activities 10. The right to receive a minimum wage is an

A. Knowledge
Directions: Identify the following.
1. It is a continuing process whereby an individual
acquires a personal identity and learns the norms,
values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to
his or her social position.
example of economic rights.
C. Comprehension and Analysis
Directions: Answer the following questions.
1. In today's modern society, what form of social
control is applicable or effective in resolving
criminality?

2. It is through this process of socialization that we
develop our sense of identity and belongingness.
3. This refers to the various social groups or social
institutions that play a significant role in
introducing and integrating the individual as an
accepted and functioning member of society.
4. These customary patterns specify what is socially
correct and proper in everyday life.
2. How do we protect our human rights? What are the
important responsibilities that we need to perform
or play to contribute in the development of our
country?
D. Transfer
,
1. In your community, discuss and explain the
different policies used by your local leaders as an
instrument of social control.

5. It defines what is morally right and morally wrong. 2. Conduct a survey concerning the common causes
of juvenile delinquency.
6. These are norms that are enforced formally by a
special political organization.

7. It refers to the position an individual occupies in

society and implies an array of rights and duties.

8. This occurs when an individual accepts influence

because he hopes to achieve a favorable reaction
from another person or group.

9. This occurs “when an individual accepts influence

because he wants to establish or maintain a
satisfying self-defining relationship to another
person or group”.

10. This response involves accepting the goal of

success but rejecting the use of socially accepted
means of achieving it, turning instead to
unconventional, illegitimate means.