Introduction:
The agents of socialization and their impact on shaping our behaviors and values. Drawing from personal experiences, we explore the influence of childhood play, specifically with baby dolls and the game “House,” in developing nurturing and maternal traits. These agents of socialization have played a significant role in shaping the author’s perception of motherhood and instilling selfless qualities that are carried into adulthood.
Understanding Agents of Socialization:
According to Kendall (2018), agents of socialization are individuals, groups, or institutions that impart the necessary knowledge. These agents include family, peers, educational institutions, media, etc. They provide the framework through which we learn social norms, values, and behaviors that shape our interactions with others.
SOCS 185 The Influence of Agents of Socialization – Nurturing Motherly Traits through Play
Early Childhood Play and the Influence of Baby Dolls:
The author vividly recalls spending countless hours engrossed in play with baby dolls during childhood. The dolls became cherished companions, accompanying the author on various adventures. This attachment to the baby doll mimicked the care and attention received from their parents. By caring for the beauty, the author unknowingly imbibed nurturing and selfless qualities associated with motherhood.
The Role of the Game “House”:
Another influential agent of socialization was the game “House,” played with cousins. Assuming the role of the “mama” figure, the author nurtured and cared for their imaginary children. This game provided a platform for understanding familial relationships’ dynamics and the mother-child bond’s significance. Through the game, the author internalized the values of family and the responsibilities associated with motherhood.
SOCS 185 The Influence of Agents of Socialization – Nurturing Motherly Traits through Play
Toys as Teachers and Exploratory Tools:
According to Glasberg et al. (1992), toys serve as educational tools that enable children to develop particular skills and explore various roles they may occupy as adults. Playing with baby dolls taught the author valuable lessons in empathy, compassion, and responsibility. It was a precursor to their present-day profession, where they care for babies daily. The early interactions with the dolls laid the foundation for understanding the needs of others, sometimes even before tending to one’s own.
The Lasting Impact on Personal Values:
The experiences of playing with baby dolls and engaging in the game “House” have had a lasting impact on the author’s values and aspirations. The nurturance and selflessness learned through these childhood activities continue to shape their perspective on motherhood and caregiving. The desire to become a mother, fueled by early exposure to these agents of socialization, remains a driving force in their life.
SOCS 185 The Influence of Agents of Socialization – Nurturing Motherly Traits through Play
Conclusion:
Agents of socialization play a crucial role in shaping our identities, values, and behaviors. Childhood play, specifically with baby dolls and the game “House,” serves as powerful agents that instill nurturing and maternal traits. The author’s journey underscores the significance of these experiences, demonstrating how toys and role-playing can teach essential life skills and shape future aspirations. The influence of agents of socialization is profound, leaving a lasting imprint on our understanding of societal roles and the values we hold dear.
References
Silfen Glasberg, D., Maatita, F., Nangle, B. & Schauer, T. (1998). Games children play An exercise illustrating agents of socialization. Teaching Sociology, 26, 130-
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Direct=true&db=sih&AN=677107&site=eds-live&scope=site Kendall, D. (2018). Social, Cengage Learning
