Why are families important agents of socialization?

Families are considered to be the most important agents of primary socialisation.  Chiildren are most often heavily ependent on their families to carry out their basic needs (feeding, cleaning etc.).

Families are often the first people to teach children their norms, values and beliefs.  Parents do this through both verbal and non verbal communication.  Families help develop levels of trust, independence, initative (for example through demonstrating how to handle social situations), a sense of competence and ambition (such as through pushing their child in sport or academia) and also help them make decisions about who one is.

Functionalist sociologists believe that the family is a particularly important institution of socialisatin as it is the family which performs the crucical functions of socialising the young and meets the emotional needs oof its members.  According to functionalist sociologistss, stable families underpin social order and economic stability.

JA
Answered by Janine A. Sociology tutor

54654 Views

See similar Sociology GCSE tutors

Related Sociology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between Functionalism and Marxism?


How would I answer 'Discuss how far sociologists agree that labeling is the main reason for differences in students educational achievement.'?


What is a social class?


Discuss how far sociologists agree that the main function of the education system is to serve the needs of the economy. (12 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences