"[Karl Mannheim’s] eloquent argument, that generations can be identified in terms of events experienced during the years of adolescence and early adulthood—ages 17 to 25…and the suggestion that such generational or cohort effects are comparable in importance to effects based on social class"

—Schuman and Rieger

Socialization over the course of our lives is so important in shaping who we become in the future. I know for myself that my own family, and my own experiences, have profoundly shaped who I am today. The debate over nature vs. nurture is an extremely difficult one; yes, we are born with innate characteristics that essentially form "us"-but, like a piece of clay, we are formed over time. Elements like family, peers, religion, and even the media pass on "social expectations" that mold us.

Because of the strong influence of such socialization agents like family, peers, and the media, I wanted to share some interesting information/evidence. First, you will find an article about the significant role siblings play on our social and emotional development as adults; I believe this to be very true, as I often learned how to act from my two older sisters. Next, I included an interesting video on the effects of cartoons on children (this one focuses specifically on Disney cartoons), which plays into the fact that the media has a very strong impact on our lives! Finally, I will post some websites that go into more depth on the subject of socialization. Enjoy!

Article: http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/01/15/siblings.play.formative.influential.role.agents.socialization

Video: 

(This video explains how stereotypical gender roles have been depicted in Disney movies, and how they have been reinforced in society-I know that when I was a child, I was strongly influenced by Disney movies)

Links:

Well Rounded Kids

This first link is a website dedicated to explaining how to socialize your child. There are tips and several articles geared towards helping parents raise a "well rounded" child. 

The Family vs. Socialization

This last link focuses on the discussion of homeschooling and sending your child to a public school. Basically, how socialization takes place in the traditional school setting and the homeschool setting. 

Socialization and the Life Course

Across 4. Process by which existing social roles are radically altered

7. Our concept of who we are, as formed into relationship to others

8. Cluster of needs, drives, attitudes that characterize a given person

9. Process by which part of culture becomes incorporated into the personality

Down 1. Part of self representing cultural standards of society

2. Part of self representing reason and common sense

3. Behavior others expect from a person (associated with status)

5. How one defines self

6. Part of personality that includes impulses and drives

8. Those of similar status