Why do we act the way that we do? Sociologists identify and examine what are called agents of socialization or those influencing factors that help shape who we are as individuals and as a social group.  

Look around where you are right now. What behaviours are people in your environment exhibiting? How are they interacting with others? What is it about their behaviour that “fits” with the environment they are in? What behaviours are you observing that might not “fit?” How can you tell the difference? Even when we are alone, we tend to act in ways that we have been socialized into believing are appropriate for our social environment. 

How many influences can you come up with that help explain how you, and those in your surroundings, are acting? Ultimately, sociologists examine what factors in our lives, both as individuals and as a social group, lead us to act and think the way that we do. They ask the question "What part have people and institutions played in our lives that have shaped who we are today?"

As you can imagine, there are many, many agents of socialization that have an influence on the way we behave and on what we think is appropriate. Sociologists break down these influences into primary agents of socialization and secondary agents of socialization.  

Primary agents of socialization are those influences that have taught us the basic skills we need for survival in society.  

What do you think? What are the most powerful agents of socialization? Let’s find out!

Deviance

Deviance is defined as any behaviour that defies social norms and that elicits disapproval from the majority of society. In the interactive below, take a moment to determine what YOU consider to be deviant behaviour.

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