SOCIALIZATION SEQUENCES AND STUDENT ATTITUDES

Examined is a general model of the socialization process based on Polak's theory of social change which identifies key agents of the process which shape perceptions of the possibility of creative change instead of defensiveness or aggression in situations where old behaviors are inadequate. Six agents of socialization are identified; fartily, primary social environment, extrafamilial role model, school, secondary social environment, and voluntary associations. It was suggested that the relative importance of each agent would shift over time, moving from family primacy in childhood to secondary social environment and voluntary association. Examined also is some material on student perceptions of possible futures. A ranking by students of socializing agents in their own lives indicated that the family fell from first to second place, but no further. In general, students felt optimistic about the future in areas chere they felt they could make a personal input and less so where they felt they could not. Considering the constraints of the present domestic and world situation, the strong possible feelings about the future are almost surprising. (Author/CJ