Choose two different groups that you are a part of. This may include a religious group, family, school, community, neighborhood, media, etc. These are the agents of socialization.? Th

   Choose two different groups that you are a part of. This may include a religious group, family, school, community, neighborhood, media, etc. These are the “agents of socialization.” These groups should be specific, meaning, do not just choose “school.” Rather, pick one school you have attended, such as a university, your high school, or middle school.  and answer the question:

  

Introduction: Briefly      provide an explanation of the two agents of socialization you chose and      why you picked them. For full      points, consider answering the following:

Which groups       did you choose?
Are they       recent or from long ago? Are they       short-term or long term?
Why have       these groups been so influential in your socialization? 

Content: The main      body should tell the story of your involvement in these two      groups. Use your sociological      imagination to analyze the socialization process. However, you must include the content      listed below.  and include the following:

Describe the       group and how you came to be a part of it: Who is in the group? How are they related to you? Why did you join the group? Was this a choice?

i. According to the chapter on groups and networks, what kind of group is it and why?

Describe       your status within the group: What is your status? How did you come to have that       status? 
Describe two       of your roles within the group: What is each of these roles? How did you come to have those roles?
Describe two       distinct forms of       communication that are used in the group: signs/symbols, gestures, and       language. What is the form of communication? Why is it distinct to this group? What meanings does it have to this       group?
Describe one       value, one norm, and one sanction that the group upholds. For each of these: What is the value/norm/sanction? Why       is it significant to this group? Does it have any particular meaning specific to this group?

i. Note: Ideally they should be related to each other. Remember that norms are how values are put into action, and sanctions are how norms are enforced.

Keep in mind       that you need to be as thorough as possible. I expect you to reference course       material at least five times       throughout the project, beyond       any concept definitions. You might       use an example that we discussed in class, or explain some nuances of a       concept following the textbook’s explanation. Be sure to cite your sources as you incorporate course material.

3. Conclusion: Explain the ways your life choices were constrained and enabled by these agents of socialization. For full points, consider answering the following:

What does it       mean to look at your life through a sociological lens? 
Does it       change the way you look at how you were raised, or how you came to be       involved with these groups?
In what ways       to do you see the different agents of socialization interacting? For example, how do the institutions (such       as family and school) interact to reinforce similar values/norms/beliefs? In what ways do institutions conflict       and thereby promote opposing values/norms/beliefs?
What new       questions or perspectives do you find yourself asking or exploring, based       on your use of your sociological imagination?