Microsoft Word - sociology_body.doc

(Axel Boer) #1

is socializing children. For example, studies show that
watching violence on television can encourage
aggressive behavior in children


3.8. Multiple and Contradictory Influences of Socialization


So far, the picture of socialization presented may seem
to be biased towards the structural functionalist view of
society and socialization. Hence, it would be useful to
add few ideas that may help balance the picture. In a
critical conceptualization of socialization, the
contradictory and ambiguous sources and influences of
socialization need to be highlighted.


If we take a good example interesting for health science
students, it would be important in this regard. A case in
point could be alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Evidences show that the consumption of tobacco and
alcohol is rapidly increasing in the Third world. There are
underlying and contradictory processes of socialization
behind this phenomenon. The conflicting influences
arise when on the one hand, families, schools, and

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