Changes in Child Socialization Essay -- Sociology Sociological Essays

Changes in Child Socialization The socialization of children has changed during the past century. According to Shepard 2001, child socialization is defined as a close interaction with a small number of people-none of whom the child has selected-where the child learned to think and speak, internalizes norms, beliefs, and values; forms some basic attitudes; develops a capacity (or incapacity) for intimate and personal relationships; and acquires a self-image. In the past, a child may have learned to be social through relationships at home, at school and at church. Today, a child learns socialization through relationships in many different situations. In 1900, twenty percent of women in the United States had full-time jobs outside the home. In 1997, this figure tripled to sixty percent of all women holding full-time jobs. The percentage of men in the workforce has remained fairly steady, with the average holding full-time jobs being eighty percent. Stay-at-home mothers are becoming a rarity, as households feel the need to increase income. With both parents working, children have become used to spending more time at daycare and school. Parents may be more likely to send their children to school at an earlier age when daycare costs are prohibitive. Children now participate in an array of extra-curricular activities, spending their time outside of school away from home. Some parents may feel this is a way to spend time with their child, if they are involved in coaching or being a spectator. For other parents, the activity gives them some free time while their child participates. Children learn to work in groups or as part of a team, while learning from adults and peers alike. Parents may or may not have a part in this type of... ...a/releases/98legacy/html. Moore, Kristen Anderson, Sharon Vandivere, Jennifer Thrle. "Turbulence and Child Well-Being." Urban Institute. (November 2001) http://www.newfederalism.urban.org/html/series_b/bl6/bl6.html. Parents, Are you Listening? "Do Listening Skills Affect Learning?" (November 2001) http://www.lauds.k12.ca.us/Haskell_El/parent%20information/listeningz.htm. Shepard, Jon M. Sociology. "Child Socialization." (2001) Wadsworth Group. Belmont, CA. Eighth Edition. Ch. 4: pp. 103-108. Trinity University San Antonio, Texas. "Exploring Americans' Attitudes Toward Socializers and Childrearing Recipes." (2001) http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl.obeys.html. Waters, Steve, M.A. Focus on the Family. "Protection and Socialization-Two Keys on The Family Internet Use." (1998) http://www.family.org/cforum/research/papers/60002553.html.