Question- How does the family affect the socialization of the child?

Related Short Answer Questions

1. What things does a child learn while living in a family?
   
2. Which family factors influence the process of socialization?

Answer -

The relation of a young child with his family is one of the most important, fortunate and lasting effects on the child. The family is called the ‘cradle of social virtues’. It is here that the adaptation of the child’s intrinsic values such as cooperation, tolerance, self-sacrifice, love and affection take place. The manner in which the child establishes his relationships with the rest of the world, for better or worse, in the later stages of his life is shaped to a large extent by his early socialization in the family.

The family as a basic social institution has always been considered as an intrinsic factor for the development of the individual as well as the society and the human race. A child begins the journey of life with the love and care of his family. Again it is in the context of the family that he imbibes the early teachings of life and tries to imitate the habits, customs and behavioural patterns of his family members.

As the main agency of socialization in all human societies, the family transforms the young child into a member of the human community and serves as the first medium to transmit culture to the child. It is the family that provides the affection, protection and socialization that is the basic tool for the child during the crucial years. This is also the time when he/she learns the initial practical patterns, habits, attitudes, traditions and conventions when interacting with family members. The family teaches him the desired social attitudes and moulds him in a way that suits the status, prestige and psyche of the family. It is also the family that largely determines the child’s race, language, religion, class and political ties, all of which make up the child’s self-concept.

As a social institution, the family has to perform many functions. The functioning of the family is of unique importance in the process of socialization of the individual as the family orients the child to the early human behavioural structures and early interpersonal relationships. The process of socialization at this stage remains informal. Some sociologists consider the family as a miniature society that acts as a transmission area between the individual and the society. You must have seen how the methods of raising children differ from one family to another. Every child is unique and inspired by the culture of their family. But there is a general consensus that a sensitive parent-child relationship leads to positive development outcomes. A nurturing relationship, where parents are sensitive to their children’s needs, can contribute in a positive way.

The upbringing of the child by the family members develops in them respect, tolerance and adaptability for the elders. On the other hand, if the socialization in the family is done under the backdrop of mistrust, authoritarianism and conflict, then the children growing up in such a family develop anti-social behaviour.

However, it is worth noting that many other factors such as family size, socioeconomic background, occupation of parents, over-bringing, parental neglect and pressure can all affect a child’s socialization. The behaviour of adults in the family can affect the socialization of the child. The behaviour of adults in the family, which excites or discourages children and the kind of discipline they impose, also affect the situation of children’s life.

In our country, the patriarchal system guides the functions of the family. This arrangement marks the effect of male and female obedience in the family. In this matter, most of the father, who is the earner, enjoys the authority. Women are confined to domestic work. Since childhood is the most effective age, the young child who observes the role of his father, mother and other members, understands their roles and plays their roles later.

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