The fitting together of individuality and social order has been a major sociological preoccupation. Discuss the ways in which sociologists have addressed this through the concept of socialization.

SOSC111 Essay 2

The fitting together of individuality and social order has been a major sociological preoccupation. Discuss the ways in which sociologists have addressed this through the concept of socialization.

Introduction:

For many sociologists, the fitting together of individuality and social order has been a major preoccupation. Thus, these sociologists have come up with varying theories on the role that the concept of socialisation has on our lives. This essay will focus on how functionalists and conflict theorist, in particular Marxists and Feminists, address socialisation. It will then discuss several ways in which the agents of socialisation help influence the lives of individuals, as well as how functionalists and conflict theorists these agents help benefit or injure the individual and society.

What is socialisation?

Before we begin, it is important to first understand the terms 'socialisation' and 'agents of socialisation' mean. Simply put, socialisation is the process by which people learn about, and then contribute to, their culture.�

A segment of a social network

Karl Marx (1818-1883)

A portrait of Karl Marx.

It is through this process that individuals are provided with the skills, habits and customs necessary for participating within their own society.� 'Agents', or institutions, of socialisation are the sites where this process takes place. These agents are involved with teaching us our cultural norms, values and even our sense of identity. They also play a crucial role in making us part of a group, a society or a culture.�

Functionalist Perspectives

The first perspective this essay will look at is structural function, often referred to as simply functionalism. Functionalism is a sociological theory centres on the structures of, and their functions, in society. Functionalist theorists believe that society is constructed of interdependent structures that work together for the benefit of society as a whole. This idea was developed by Emile Durkheim, who likened society to the human body, comprising...