The process of socialization is continuous in everyday life. There are multiple influences and factors which aid in the development of an individual's sociological behavior. The process of how I developed as an individual, from birth to the individual I have developed into today, will be broken down and analyzed throughout this paper. The seven potent socialization agents that guided my development together, in order of importance, are those analyzed: religion, family, peers, education, government, mass media, and work environment. Each exerted an enormous influence in shaping my conception of social norms, values, and behaviors. Through personal experiences ranging from growing up in a single-parent household to serving as a Drill Sergeant in the Army, this paper examines how these various socialization agents interact and influence personal development in different life stages.
The Process of Socialization
Many social factors influence who a person grows to become, from a child to an adult. Socialization is the progression through which individuals are shown to be capable members of society. Socialization defines the ways individuals come to comprehend societal norms and expectations, acknowledge society’s beliefs, and be cognizant of social values (Griffiths et al., 2017, p.102). My journey to become the man I am today has been long and enlightening. The values and beliefs I hold above all else will be presented throughout this paper and will show how they made an impact on my journey, which is still continuing to this day.
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Who is Theophilus Purdie Jr?
I, Theophilus Purdie Jr., also known as Theo, was born on July 27, 1988, at Metroplex Hospital in Killeen, Texas, to Jackie Purdie and Theophilus Purdie. I grew up in the city of Harker Heights, which has a current population of 31,857, which has increased by 19.2% from 2010 until now (U.S., n.d.). Fort Hood is a United States Army base co-located with the city of Harker Heights and brings many different cultural diversities to the city due to the military nature of the area. The area of Harker Heights, where I was raised, was low-income and suffered from a higher crime rate. My parents were divorced when I was six months old, and I grew up in a single-parent home due to my father going to prison for the majority of my school-age years.
As a child, I excelled academically, consistently maintaining As and Bs on my report cards through elementary and middle school. I was introduced to sports, particularly football, at an early age but was unable to play on a team due to the cost. I was first able to play on a team when I graduated sixth grade and started seventh grade at Eastern Hills Middle School. Playing football introduced me to a whole new group of friends and the social status of being an athlete. Upon completion of middle school and moving into high school, I continued to play football, and the groups of friends I associated myself with started becoming a negative influence in my life. I began to lose focus on my academics and allowed my grades to slip while withdrawing from the football team. My focus shifted to being more concerned with money and girls in line with the group of friends I associated with.
Joining the workforce and neglecting sports was probably one of the best decisions I made in my life. Although I missed football and the comradery that came along with the team, I began to be motivated by making money, which I never really had much of growing up. With a little help from my brother, I got a job working at Taco Bell at age 16 because he knew the manager. I went on to meet the love of my life a couple of years later when she transferred from another store to help train new hires. Little did I know I would go on to marry this woman, have children, and establish a happy, fulfilling relationship. Soon after, I found a better job working at a construction company, which provided extremely good benefits and financial stability until the furloughs began a couple of years later.
The furloughs caused me to begin looking for a new job because my hours were getting reduced, and people began to get let go from the company. I made a phone call to what I believed to be another construction company but soon realized I was talking to an Army recruiter. I considered joining the Army years before but was told I did not qualify for entry. The recruiter assured me he could get me into the Army and made an hour trip from Austin to Harker Heights in order to help me obtain a newfound career. I enlisted into the Army in October of 2009 as a Combat Medic and was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for Basic Combat Training. I have enjoyed every moment of my career, and my family has been supportive of me throughout my time serving. The Army has given me the opportunity to travel all over the world, observe countless cultures, and meet so many different people along the way. I currently serve at Joint Base San Antonio as a Drill Sergeant and have been entrusted to train, mentor, and certify our newest Combat Medics for the fighting force.
Money was always tight in our household, and this definitely affected how we lived and learned. My mom couldn't afford to put me in football right away even though I wanted to play, but this taught me to value opportunities when they came along. I remember how excited I was when I finally got to play in seventh grade - it meant so much more because we had to wait until we could afford it. At home, we had these unwritten rules about being careful with money. My mom would always make me turn off lights when leaving rooms and taught me to fix things instead of buying new ones. She'd sit with me at the kitchen table, showing me how to budget her paycheck, which stuck with me more than any math class could. Living on a tight budget wasn't always fun, but it taught me things I use every day now. When my uncles would fix up cars at the wrecking yard, they'd always tell me, "Why buy new when you can fix it yourself?" These daily lessons about money and work shaped how I handle things today. Even simple stuff, like how my mom would make me save part of my Taco Bell paycheck when I started working - she'd say, "Always put something aside for tomorrow." I still do that now with my Army pay. These weren't formal lessons but just how we lived, and they stuck with me more than any lecture could have.
Religion
Religious socialization theory is a significant amount of research covering religion and youth and the importance of influential persons in shaping an individual’s beliefs and practices (Religious, n.d.). When I was growing up, religion, particularly Christianity, played a huge role in my life. My step-grandfather was a pastor, and my family as a whole is still an avid churchgoer. I attended Wednesday and Sunday services every week and any additional services or events that were taking place. My mother, most of all, was the major influence on my religion. She ensured I was up and dressed and ready to go to church and did not cut me any slack.
Peers such as schoolmates or friends with higher levels of affiliation, beliefs, and practices relate to elevated levels of religiosity in youth and adults (Religious, n.d.). One of my closest friends growing up was from a religious family as well; his father is a preacher, and his mother is an evangelist. This provided me with another strong foundation outside of my home when I was around him and his family. Religion taught me most of the values I hold dear to this day, in particular, right from wrong and how to treat other people upon simple interaction. All of the factors mentioned have helped me create my foundation as a person throughout my lifelong journey of being a Christian.
Family. Everything a child needs to know is taught to them initially by family, such as mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents, and extended family; this is the first agent of socialization (Griffiths et al., 2017, p.108). My sister was the person I learned from the most; from the start of my life, she was always by my side, taking care of me. My sister is ten years older than me and was practically a second mom to me; she was the one with me whenever our mother was at work in order to provide for us all. There are countless things I did. I remember that she had to correct me and let me know I was going down the wrong path. For example, I relied on others as a young child very often, and she taught me how to be independent and to learn by doing so, I wouldn’t have to rely on other people to do things for me.
Families who are not as financially stable or poor typically emphasize obedience and conformity when raising their children (Griffiths et al., 2017, p.109). Without a doubt, my sister ensured I remained disciplined and obedient when my mother had to go away from the household and couldn’t ensure I maintained it herself. My grandparents owned a wrecking yard and car dealership. My uncles were mechanically inclined and also sold cars; I learned how to work on vehicles at an early age and also observed how to be a salesman. I learned so many things from my family as a whole, and one of the biggest things I learned from my grandmother was self-drive. She was a businesswoman and pushed herself daily to earn all the things she achieved in life. She was able to teach all of us kids the value of hard work and discipline.
Being raised by a single mom changed everything about how I see family. When I was growing up, I noticed most of my friends had both parents around, which was different from my situation. My mom had to work extra hard since she was doing it all alone - paying bills, cooking meals, and trying to be there for us kids. This wasn't easy on her, but she made it work. As I mentioned before, my sister really stepped up to help raise me since she was ten years older. Having my grandparents' wrecking yard business nearby and my uncles teaching me about cars helped fill in some gaps, too. Even though my dad wasn't around because he was in prison, I learned that family isn't just about having two parents - it's about who shows up for you. The way my family worked wasn't traditional, but it taught me more about life than I probably would've learned otherwise. Each person in my family had to take on different roles than what you might expect, but that's just how we made things work. This setup might have been different from other families, but it shaped who I am today.
Peers. Peer socialization is the procedure in which individuals learn about the world surrounding them. They learn by interacting with others, establishing attitudes and beliefs, and comprehending anticipated behavior (Peer, 2017). Growing up, I was surrounded by many different people, and as time went on, some relationships developed while others began to fade away. Not all people have the same values, positive or negative, and all people have different priorities in life. I was able to see the people I should actually keep around who had a positive impact on my life and the people who did not possess positive energy which I could maintain in my life.
The people my family and I surrounded myself with helped mold the character and person I have grown into today. I learned so much from my family, but I also learned a lot from my friends and peers around me. Without those outside influences, I wouldn’t have been able to see what I truly found interesting and important to me in life. Seeing outside interactions from peers instead of family opened my eyes to how others were raised. For example, some peers were raised to show elders the utmost respect, and some were not. I was raised to show my elders respect and address them as sir or ma’am. Simple gestures go a long way, and this is such a small example, but it can make or break the opinion you have of a person.
Education
Schools are not only in place to teach science, math, reading, and other subjects, but those are the core of the system. Educational institutions provide a hidden function in society by socializing kids into activities like performing teamwork, following an agenda placed before them, and utilizing tools and technology (Griffiths et al., 2017, p.109). Many people do not realize the impact school and education have on children, but many times, I have had my children come home and teach me something new that I didn’t know. Having so many other children to aid in sociological development can be positive and negative. Most teachers try to teach good habits, and some may have methods that parents would not agree with.
School and continuing education were not emphasized by my family as I was growing up because both of my parents and my sister received a GED. I learned to be competitive with my peers in school, and this led me to continue to strive to do better and pursue my educational goals. Education was further reinforced due to the importance of education through life and development. Knowledge is a big factor in sociological status and also career development. I learn something new every day, and to continue to advance in my job, I have to constantly pursue education.
Government
Government institutions serve as powerful agents of socialization through their policies, regulations, and civic education programs. Research shows that military service, in particular, represents one of the most intensive forms of governmental socialization, involving total immersion in an environment controlled by a state authority (Griffiths et al., 2017, p.115).
The government has played a significant role in my socialization, especially through my military service. When I first joined the Army, I didn't realize how much it would change my understanding of civic duty and national identity. Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson wasn't just about learning military skills - it taught me what it means to be an American soldier and citizen. Every morning when we'd raise the flag, it meant something different than it did when I was a civilian. These daily routines shaped how I saw my role in society.
Working as a Drill Sergeant now, I see how government policies directly impact people's lives. I train new Combat Medics and have to teach them not just medical skills, but also about their responsibilities as soldiers. Every regulation we follow, from how to wear the uniform to medical protocols, comes from government policies. These rules aren't just random - they're part of how the military maintains standards and builds a unified force.
Also, growing up near Fort Hood showed me how military presence can affect different communities. Each of the cultures that made up the military base brought something to it, including jobs created for the people around them. Even before joining the Army, I saw how government programs helped some of my friends' families who were struggling. School lunch programs, military benefits for families, and other support systems were part of daily life in our community. These experiences taught me that government isn't just some far-off thing in Washington - it's part of our everyday lives, whether we notice it or not.
This open Army life has really altered my perspectives on the modes through which laws and policies structure people's behaviors. Take, for example, the Army's values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage-these are not just mere words on paper but will become your personality and reflect on how you treat others and make decisions based on your thinking about your involvement as a citizen. Looking back, I can see how government influence goes way beyond just following laws - it shapes how we think about our place in society and our responsibilities to others.
Mass Media
Mass media functions as a crucial agent of socialization by transmitting cultural values, norms, and beliefs to large audiences simultaneously. The research evidence indicates that media exposure greatly influences people's perception of social reality and the particular worldviews they will create, mostly that of the youth (Griffiths et al., 2017, p.117). Furthermore, the gradual transformation of media from conventional forms into essentially digital formats has programmed media to be much more powerful in the process of socialization.
I witnessed the change in how people live with and learn about the world through media. As I recall from my young years, there were only the most basic TV channels, nothing more. My sister and I would watch shows together in the afternoons while my mom worked. These weren't just watching sessions, but rather they introduced me to lifestyles and mindsets outside my block. Even commercials shaped what I thought was normal or cool at the time.
Things really changed when smartphones and social media became big. When I first joined the Army, we weren't dealing with recruits who spent most of their time on screens. Now, as a Drill Sergeant, I see how different it is. Most of our new Combat Medics come in having learned about the Army through YouTube videos, TikTok, or military influencers online. Some of these kids have never gone a day without their phones until basic training. It's interesting to see how they adjust - many struggle at first without constant access to social media, but then they start focusing more on real-world connections with their fellow trainees.
The media doesn't just affect kids - it changes how all of us see things. Like when I'm training new medics, I have to sometimes correct what they learned from medical shows or online videos. They come in thinking they know what being a Combat Medic is about based on what they've seen on TV or social media. The reality is usually different, but these media influences are part of how they form their expectations.
My own kids are growing up in a totally different media world than I did. We have to set rules about screen time and monitor what they're watching online. It's crazy to think about how different their childhood is from mine - they can FaceTime their grandma or watch any show whenever they want. When I was their age, calling long-distance was expensive and you had to wait for your favorite show to come on at the right time. These changes in media aren't just about entertainment - they're changing how kids learn, communicate, and understand the world around them.
The Workplace
Workplace socialization represents a distinct form of adult socialization where individuals learn organizational culture, professional norms, and role expectations. Organizational socialization theory suggests that workers must adapt to both formal policies and informal cultural practices to become effective members of their work communities (Griffiths, et al., 2017, p.121).
My first real experience with workplace culture started at Taco Bell when I was 16. It wasn't just about learning how to make tacos - I had to learn how to talk to customers, work with a team, and handle workplace drama. The manager taught me the customer service voice you have to use, which was totally different from how I'd normally talk. My brother helping me get that job through his connection with the manager was my first lesson in how workplace relationships matter.
The construction company job was a whole different world. The guys there taught me that showing up early meant being on time and being on time meant you were late. It wasn't written in any manual - you just learned it by watching how everyone else did things. The older workers would give you this look if you weren't following the unwritten rules. They also showed me how to act around the bosses versus how to act with your coworkers. These weren't things they told you directly - you just picked them up, or someone would pull you aside and set you straight.
The Army took workplace culture to another level entirely. From day one in Basic Training, everything had a specific way it needed to be done. Even the way you fold your clothes or make your bed has to match exact standards. Now, as a Drill Sergeant, I'm on the other side of this training. I see new recruits come in from all kinds of backgrounds - some have never had a job before, and others come from corporate careers. They all have to learn the Army way of doing things, from how to walk and talk to how to respect rank and follow the chain of command.
The jobs I have been to have changed my actions and thoughts in different ways. For example, at Taco Bell, I learned simple work skills; a construction company basically taught me hard work and how to develop other relationships in the workplace, while the Army basically shaped my entire personality. It's not just a job; it's a way of life. Thinking back, it seems like each job added a little something to me as the person I am today. My different work experiences influenced even simple things, such as how I organize my belongings and interact with authority figures.
Conclusion
Sociological development begins in childhood and continues throughout your life as a whole. You will continue to learn from those around you consciously and subconsciously, developing new norms and attitudes. Everyone around you aids in your sociological development. Whether you are learning positive or negative traits, you have to take them and develop yourself into the person you would like to be. Looking back at my journey, I can see how each part played its role - from growing up in a single-parent home to becoming a Drill Sergeant in the Army.
For me, the foundation started with religion, family, peers, and education but grew to include so much more. The way government shaped my understanding of duty through military service, how different workplaces taught me their own unique rules and expectations, and how changing media influenced how I see the world - all these pieces came together to make me who I am. Even things like growing up with limited money taught me lessons I still use today.
My journey shows how socialization isn't just about one thing - it's about how all these different parts work together. From watching TV with my sister after school to training new Combat Medics, from my first job at Taco Bell to enforcing Army standards, each experience added something new to who I am. And this process never really stops - I'm still learning and growing every day, just like everyone else.
References
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