Socialisation

    OCR
    GCSE

    Socialisation is the fundamental sociological process through which individuals learn the culture, norms, and values of their society, transitioning from biological organisms to social actors. The study encompasses the distinction between Primary Socialisation (family/early years) and Secondary Socialisation (education, peers, media, religion). Candidates must analyse the 'Nature vs Nurture' debate, evaluating the extent to which human behaviour is innate versus learned. Critical focus is required on the mechanisms of Social Control (formal and informal) and how different sociological perspectives (Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism) interpret the function of socialisation—whether as a means of creating social solidarity or reproducing inequality.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Talcott Parsons: The family as a 'personality factory' and primary socialisation.
    • Ann Oakley (1974): Four processes of gender socialisation (Manipulation, Canalisation, etc.).
    • Case Studies of Feral Children: Genie or Oxana Malaya as evidence for Nurture.
    • Bowles and Gintis: The 'Correspondence Principle' and socialisation in education.
    • Formal vs Informal Sanctions: Distinction between legal punishment and social disapproval.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate definition of socialisation as the lifelong process of learning norms and values, not merely 'growing up'.
    • Award marks for explicit application of Ann Oakley's processes of gender socialisation: manipulation, canalisation, verbal appellation, and different activities.
    • Responses must distinguish between formal social control (police, courts, written laws) and informal social control (peer pressure, ostracisation, parental sanctions).
    • High-level responses must contrast Functionalist views (socialisation creates social solidarity/consensus) with Marxist views (socialisation transmits ruling class ideology).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When asked to 'Explain', ensure the response follows the 'Concept + Example + Link' structure; mere definition is insufficient for AO2 marks.
    • 💡In 12-mark or 24-mark essays, explicitly name sociologists (e.g., Parsons, Oakley) to access top-band AO1 marks.
    • 💡Use the 'PEEL' structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) for 'Discuss' questions to ensure sustained reasoning.
    • 💡Differentiate clearly between 'agencies of socialisation' (who does it) and 'processes of socialisation' (how it is done).

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating 'norms' (expected behaviours) with 'values' (general beliefs), e.g., treating 'respect' as a norm rather than a value.
    • Describing the 'Nature' argument without reference to biological determinism or genetic inheritance.
    • Providing generic descriptions of school life rather than applying the specific concept of the 'Hidden Curriculum' or 'Teacher Labelling'.
    • Failing to cite specific sociological evidence (e.g., Genie, Oxana Malaya) when discussing feral children to support the Nurture argument.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    State
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    To what extent

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