My Agents of Socialization: What are they?

Introduction

When I think about it, I am unsure how to answer the question, “Who am I?” People might describe me as a caring, shy, hard-working country girl from Virginia who was raised in Washington state, someone who loves sports and values her family, and a member of the military. However, I believe I am more than all those labels combined. My name is Chelsea Lyn Kile, and I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, a sailor, and so much more.

Because my parents divorced when I was very young, I spent my childhood splitting time between them. I am the oldest of five siblings on one side, yet an only child on the other, which sometimes felt contradictory and challenging. My mother remarried not long after her divorce, and while it was not the most spartan household to grow up in, I learned resilience and independence early on. My mother and stepfather faced a lot of difficulties, which pushed me closer to my father, who today is my best friend. I spent much time away from home focusing on academic success, especially wrestling, which I did for over six years until I graduated from high school.

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After graduation, I enrolled in college, but I decided to join the military a few years later. Ironically, I followed in my mother’s footsteps, as she had done the same when she was younger. Soon after I enlisted, my sister joined the Navy as well. Although my dad initially worried about my decision, he ultimately supported my choice. Through the Navy, I have gained and lost friends, faced adversity, and learned countless lessons that have shaped me into who I am today. It remains one of the best decisions I have ever made, yet I know there is still much I want to accomplish and many goals I plan to pursue.

Introducing Socialization

All of these experiences—family transitions, close friendships, sports, and the military—tie into socialization, the process by which people learn societal norms, values, and expectations. Socialization has affected me from my earliest memories of my parents teaching me how to speak and walk to the professional skills I have learned in the Navy. My identity continues to evolve through influences from various social groups, cultural norms, and personal experiences. Indeed, my family, peers, school, the media, religion or church communities, personal background, and work environments have all been part of shaping who I am.

In this essay, I will focus on the agents of socialization that have had the most significant impact on my development: family, mass media, peers, and work. Each of these agents has played a crucial role in how I perceive the world and interact with those around me.

Family

Family is often considered the most important and influential agent of socialization because it teaches us our first words, beliefs, behaviors, and values. In my life, my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and extended relatives all contributed to my understanding of social norms and expectations. When we are born, we rely on our parents or guardians to provide for us and guide us in learning everyday skills like talking, walking, practicing religious beliefs, and caring for ourselves.

I notice that my parents today seem quite different from those who raised me, even though I was only born in the ’90s. It appears they place varying emphases on specific values and, in many households, have less time or availability. Family morals and values were central to my upbringing: I learned clear distinctions between right and wrong, the importance of hard work, and the need to respect others. Punishments for misbehavior were not uncommon, and I believe this stricter environment helped shape my sense of responsibility and moral judgment. By contrast, I sometimes see parents today who use a broader “grey area,” potentially leading children to feel entitled or uncertain about boundaries.

From the perspective of symbolic interactionism, a theory focusing on how individuals interact based on shared meanings (OpenStax), my family’s emphasis on education influenced me greatly. My parents expected high grades and valued higher education, which, in turn, shaped my personal outlook. Now, I, too, believe in the importance of doing well academically as an avenue for achievement and personal growth.

Peer Groups

Another aspect of socialization that has significantly influenced my life is my peer group. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a peer group is “the people who are approximately the same age as you and come from a similar social group.” Peers introduce us to norms and practices outside our immediate family, allowing us to develop social skills in new contexts. As a child in daycare or preschool, I learned simple yet essential lessons such as taking turns, waiting politely, and treating others with kindness.

During the teenage years, peer influence intensifies. Adolescents often seek independence from their parents, forming a strong sense of identity among their friends. I remember wanting more freedom and spending as much time as I could outside my family’s sphere. In trying to belong, I sometimes adopted habits or behaviors that were not always in my best interest, although I eventually outgrew them.

Today, peers continue to shape my actions and attitudes—especially in the military. I have grown tremendously since enlisting. Working side by side with others who share my duties and responsibilities fosters mutual respect. We learn from each other daily, often without even realizing it. Reflecting on Émile Durkheim’s functionalist view of the “collective conscience” (OpenStax), I see how we develop shared morals and beliefs that bind us as a cohesive unit, reinforcing each other’s sense of purpose within our military community.

School

School serves as a fundamental and critical agent of socialization because, in nearly all regions, children are mandated to attend for several hours each day, spanning multiple days each week. The manifest function of school prominently involves the instruction of essential subjects such as mathematics, reading, and the sciences, yet the latent function reaches much broader, encompassing vital life skills. These skills include following orders, adhering to deadlines, collaborating effectively in teams, and showing respect for authority figures. My personal experiences within the school environment introduced me to interactions with a diverse array of authority figures, ranging from teachers to principals. This exposure played an instrumental role in helping me understand how structured systems function and operate efficiently in society.

Functionalism, sometimes referred to as Structural-Functional Theory, perceives society as an intricate system of various interrelated components that work together to fulfill the diverse needs of society as a whole (OpenStax). Within this framework, education emerges as a vital element in maintaining society’s smooth functioning and stability, as it provides the upcoming generations with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to sustain that societal function. When individuals drop out of school or neglect their education, such actions are viewed as dysfunctions within this theoretical lens, as they can significantly impede the efficient operation of society. Furthermore, I believe the discipline and focus that I cultivated during my time in school also played a crucial role in preparing me for the discipline required to serve effectively in the Navy, where structure and dedication are of utmost importance.

Mass Media

Mass media, which includes television, music, the internet, and other forms of communication, has been an especially pervasive agent of socialization. As a young girl, I often wanted to mimic the hairstyles or fashion I saw in my favorite TV shows. Media can also shape how we form or maintain relationships, influencing how we perceive romantic partnerships, friendships, and family roles.

One significant ongoing debate concerns how media exposure to violence might affect young viewers, as many children see violent TV shows, movies, or video game content at a very early age. From the perspective of the sociological imagination (Baruch College), our behaviors are not merely individual choices but are also shaped by social forces and cultural narratives—many of which reach us through mass media. With the rise of the internet and social media, these influences have only become more widespread, accelerating the way cultural trends and ideas are shared.

A Personal Take

Looking back, I realize that family, peers, school, and mass media have all molded me into the person I am today. Family instilled core values and morals; peers helped me explore my identity and independence; school provided structured learning and social norms; and mass media offered both inspiration and cautionary tales that shaped my worldview.

Socialization, by definition, is a lifelong process—one that continuously evolves as we experience new environments and interact with different people. It is fascinating to see how each agent contributes in unique ways to our personal growth. In my case, these influences have guided my path from a Virginia-born child to a Washington-state teenager and now to a naval servicemember with new aspirations still on the horizon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, socialization agents—from immediate family to the broad reach of mass media—have profoundly impacted me from birth until the present day. They have taught me norms, values, morals, and expectations that shape how I see myself and others. It is remarkable how much we absorb through these influences, sometimes without even realizing it. Without these interconnected processes molding our identities, we would undoubtedly live in a very different world. Recognizing the role of socialization in our lives can help us make more informed choices and appreciate how each step of our journey shapes us into the individuals we become.