Primary and Secondary Socialisation

Primary Socialisation

Primary socialisation is the first stage of socialisation during which the norms and values of society are taught.
It often occurs during early childhood by key agents such as parents or caregivers.
These agents impart fundamental norms and values, shaping a child’s basic understanding of the world.
Elements of primary socialisation include learning skills such as talking, walking, and social interaction.
This stage has a profound and lasting effect on an individual’s fundamental views about social interaction, roles, and acceptable behaviour.

Secondary Socialisation

Secondary socialisation is the next phase of socialisation that continues throughout an individual’s life.
Key agents in this phase are usually schools, peer groups, media, and workplaces.
Relatively more specific norms and values are imparted during this stage, moulding an individual’s roles in specific sectors of society.
It also includes learning about the implications of belonging to various groups within the wider society.
This stage is crucial for learning about diverse perspectives, acceptance, and social adjustment in different spaces.

Influence on Health and Wellbeing

Socialisation helps individuals understand what behaviours are approved or disapproved of within their society, which can have significant implications for health choices and lifestyle.
Primary socialisation often influences basic health habits, such as eating preferences, oral hygiene habits, and basic safety sense.
Secondary socialisation exposes individuals to a broader range of influences regarding health and wellbeing. For example, schools can influence active lifestyles, while workplaces may influence stress levels and mental health.
The media, as an agent of secondary socialisation, can have a powerful role in promoting or discouraging certain behaviours, shaping perceptions on issues like body image, nutrition, mental health, and substance abuse.
Thus, understanding socialisation helps in grasping how social influences can impact individual and community health and wellbeing.