Family - Primary Socialisation

• Primary Socialisation takes place in early childhood (0 to 5 years old) and the main influence is the family when we are normally in close and prolonged contact with family
• Many skills are copied & learned by watching what parents do (imitation) and children will see parents as role models and so model their behaviour on them
• In Primary Socialisation, children learn what is acceptable and unacceptable by trial and error as sanctions imposed by parents:

  • Positive Sanctions = Good behaviour being praised
  • Negative Sanctions = When unacceptable behaviour is frowned upon (being told off)
  • This is a form of social control