Introduction
Socialization is generally a manner by which a person develops the ability to learn, alter or change their behavior to be able to adjust, in a way that is acceptable, to the society as a whole. Most social scholars agree that socialization is representative of the whole learning development that runs throughout an individual’s existence, accordingly, it is the main stimulus that largely determines a person’s behavior and beliefs starting from early childhood to adulthood. Education is one of the forms of socialization that has a tremendous effect to the development of better social skills of a person as it encourages the early development of socialization skills that starts among young children. It is beneficial to reflect on one’s educational experiences as a site of socialization because it reflects the reason or cause of a person’s behavior in a particular circumstance. For example, in addition to having been exposed to playmates, my parents see to it that I attend school at the soonest possible age. I believed that the early interaction and contact with my classmates provided me the opportunity to learn social interaction at an early age.
Education
The time I spent in school has greatly impacted my development as a person, however, I think that it is during my elementary years that has influenced me the most. For example, the small group activities in school have developed in me the ability to form friendship with others, as often my teachers encourage socialization through activities that can be done by working together. It is on this basis that education is an important part of a social institution. Children spend most of their growing years in school, say starting from the first grade, their time is allotted in different school activities that helps to enhance their growth and prepare them in interacting and becoming productive participants in the larger society. On the other hand, social hierarchy as it pertains to education reveals that while poor families may be able to send their children to obtain their K-12 education, it might be too expensive to send them to college. Unfortunately, for most individuals who finished only their high school studies, the sorting function of education often prevents them from having better employment (417).
Functions of Schooling
One of the two functions of schooling is socialization (416); it helps young individuals develop better habits and attitudes that can become an advantage as they go out and interact into the society. For example, in my case, I was sent to school at an early age. I can say that my early exposure in school did not only contribute to my intellectual abilities, but it has also affected my attitudes, values and beliefs. The other function of education is the Economic function; to the family and the individual himself, education is a means to prepare for the future. In addition to that, people in the business world became focused on education as the majority of their workforce are university graduates. The economic function of education made me strive on my studies as I know that it is a means to prepare me to become a productive member of the society.
Conclusion
The benefits of being able to obtain an education, and being exposed to it at an early age is that, I was able to develop healthy habits in terms of creating a good relationship with other people. In addition to that, I also recognized early on, the importance of having an education and the benefits it provides to the society. The only time that I perceived education in the negative light is that people are assessed by most industries based on their educational attainment. For me, education should be a means to empower people, not something that deters them from becoming better people. My education has helped me form my identity by providing me the I perception that it is a way to cultivate my skills and abilities for the purpose of becoming a better and productive contributor to the society.
References
Education. What are the Major Functions of Schooling? pp. 416-417
