Cycles of socialisation
Cycles of socialisation refer to the continuous and repetitive process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors of their society or culture. These cycles begin early in life and continue throughout an individual's lifetime, shaping their identity, worldview, and understanding of their social environment. There are several stages or phases within the cycles of socialisation:
1. Childhood socialisation: The process begins in childhood, where individuals start to learn about societal norms, beliefs, and expectations through their interactions with family members, friends, and caregivers. This includes learning language, gender roles, religious beliefs, and the basic rules of social conduct.
2. Formal education: As children enter school, they are exposed to a more systematic and structured form of socialisation. Schools teach not only academic skills but also how to navigate social hierarchy, cooperate with authority figures, and understand the societal values that underlie their education.
3. Peer influence: During adolescence, peers become a more significant influence as individuals seek to establish their own identity separate from that of their families. Friends and social groups can help teach about social norms and expectations within particular subcultures and communities.
4. Occupational socialisation: As individuals enter the workforce, they must learn the norms, values, and expectations specific to their profession or occupation. This may involve adapting to new roles, hierarchies, and power dynamics within the workplace.
5. Media and cultural influence: Throughout their lives, individuals are continually exposed to messages and values from mass media, popular culture, and societal institutions. This can shape their understanding of the broader world, their role within it, and how they relate to others in different social contexts.
6. Resocialisation: As individuals experience major life transitions, such as changing careers, relationships, or relocating to a new community, they may need to learn and adapt to new sets of norms and values. Resocialisation typically requires letting go of old beliefs and behaviors in favor of new ones to fit into these new social contexts.
The cycles of socialisation are crucial for perpetuating societal norms and values, maintaining social cohesion, and providing individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to function within their societies. However, these cycles can also perpetuate social inequalities and reinforce discriminatory beliefs and practices. Challenging and questioning the norms and expectations acquired through socialisation is essential for promoting social change and fostering a more equitable society.