Childhood and Socialisation in Australia
Socialization is the human process of learning to become a member of our society, and how each individual learns to fit into a group (Jureidini & Poole, 2003, p123). Jean Piaget (1896-1980) a Swiss psychologist described childhood and development in terms of distinct psychological stages and how these stages influence socialization and enculturation (see Jureidini & Poole, 2003, pp124 ¡V 127). Other important theorists to look at are George Herbert Mead (1863-1931) and Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934).
Agents of Socialization: In Australian culture, socialization occurs through various agents, and due to Australia being so multicultural and diverse, the importance of each of these agents is different from individual to individual.
X Family ¡V For most children, the family is the epicenter of socialization and is the most important factor in how the child is conditioned. At an early age, a high percentage of Australian children have their family environments substituted by daycare. There is mixed evidence as to how this affects the stability of the child in later years.
X School ¡V Primary schools in Australia offer an opportunity for children to learn about behaviour and social interaction from peers under disciplined guidance from a teacher. The playground is an important place for children to learn what socially acceptable behaviour is and what is not.
X Media ¡V Programs such as ¡¥Playschool¡¦ and ¡¥Sesame Street¡¦ offer young children the social tools they need. Such programs also have a significant role in gender conditioning. In later years, the children/teenagers will become subject to issues of conformity that are modeled on mainstream media icons.
X Religion ¡V In an Australian context, religion holds varied importance in childhood socialization. For some children, attending church, a mosque or a synagogue with family provides an introduction to the beliefs, values and morals that are socialized throughout their lives.
Processes of Socialization:
Agents of Socialization: In Australian culture, socialization occurs through various agents, and due to Australia being so multicultural and diverse, the importance of each of these agents is different from individual to individual.
X Family ¡V For most children, the family is the epicenter of socialization and is the most important factor in how the child is conditioned. At an early age, a high percentage of Australian children have their family environments substituted by daycare. There is mixed evidence as to how this affects the stability of the child in later years.
X School ¡V Primary schools in Australia offer an opportunity for children to learn about behaviour and social interaction from peers under disciplined guidance from a teacher. The playground is an important place for children to learn what socially acceptable behaviour is and what is not.
X Media ¡V Programs such as ¡¥Playschool¡¦ and ¡¥Sesame Street¡¦ offer young children the social tools they need. Such programs also have a significant role in gender conditioning. In later years, the children/teenagers will become subject to issues of conformity that are modeled on mainstream media icons.
X Religion ¡V In an Australian context, religion holds varied importance in childhood socialization. For some children, attending church, a mosque or a synagogue with family provides an introduction to the beliefs, values and morals that are socialized throughout their lives.
Processes of Socialization: