Parents often socialize their children to:
Understand and follow different norms from what they themselves follow
Follow norms from multiple other agents of socialization, such as religion and education
Follow norms from only family as an agent of socizliation
Follow different norms inside the family vs. ?outside the family
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
Follow different norms inside the family vs. outside the family.
Explanation:
Parents play a central role in the socialization of their children, guiding them to navigate the complex world of societal norms and expectations. One of the most critical aspects of this process is teaching children how to adapt to and follow different norms in various contexts—inside the family and outside the family.
- Family Norms vs. Societal Norms: The family is typically the first and most influential agent of socialization. In the family environment, children learn intimate, personal, and emotional norms. These norms might include behaviors such as respect for elders, affection, communication styles, or specific cultural practices unique to the family. The family may also set rules about permissible behavior, responsibilities, or attitudes toward various situations. However, these family-specific norms are often different from the broader societal norms that children will encounter outside the home.
- Navigating Different Social Contexts: Outside the family, children are exposed to a broader set of norms through other agents of socialization such as schools, peer groups, media, and religious institutions. These external norms may sometimes contradict or challenge the norms they learn at home. For instance, a child might be taught at home to always respect authority, but at school, they might experience environments that encourage questioning authority. Similarly, while a family might emphasize communal living and sharing, the outside world may place more value on individualism and competition.
- Social Adaptability: It’s crucial for children to learn how to adapt to these shifting norms. Parents, as primary socializing agents, help children understand that different settings may require different behaviors. This process of adaptation is essential for children to successfully navigate various social environments, ranging from family gatherings to school interactions to peer relationships.
In essence, parents socialize their children to follow norms that may differ inside and outside the family. This ability to switch between different norms based on context is a critical skill for social functioning in a diverse and multifaceted world.