Agencies Of Socialisation - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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Agencies of socialisation are the various people, groups, and institutions that play a crucial role in teaching individuals the norms, values, and customs of their society, helping them to function effectively within it.

For GCSE Sociology students, it is important to understand that these agencies include the family, education system, peer groups, media, and religion. Each of these institutions contributes differently to shaping a person's beliefs and behaviours. For example, families instill early moral values and language skills; schools impart academic knowledge and social rules; and peer groups influence social interactions and identity development.

Recognising the role of these agencies helps students appreciate how individuals learn to navigate their social world.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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