Socialization is a process by which culture is transmitted to the younger generation and men learn the rules and practices of social groups to which they belong. The term socialization refers to the process of interaction through which the growing individual learns the habits, attitudes, values, and beliefs of the social group into which he has been born. Every society builds an institutional framework within which socialization of the child takes place.
Religion: Agency of Socialization
Sociology of religion is the study of the beliefs, practices, and organizational forms of religion using the tools and methods of the discipline of sociology. Religion is one of the most important agents of socialization and social control. It has a significant role in organizing and directing social life. An organization like temples, mosques, church, Gurudwaras etc.
Religion has been an important factor in society. Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that relate humanity to spirituality and moral values. In the early society, religion provided a bond of unity. Though in modern society the importance of religion has diminished, yet it continues to mold our beliefs and ways of life. Agents of socialization differ in effects across religious traditions. Some believe religion is an ethnic or cultural category, making it less likely for the individuals to break from religious affiliations and be more socialized in this setting. Parental religious participation is the most influential part of religious socialization–more so than religious peers or religious beliefs. In every family, some of the other religious practices are observed on one or the other occasion. The child sees his parents going to the temple and performing religious ceremonies. He listens to religious sermons which may determine his course of life and shape his ideas.
For example, children raised in religious homes are more likely to have some degree of religiosity in their lives. They are also likely to raise their own children with religion and to participate in religious ceremonies, such as baptisms and weddings.
Religion plays a very important role in socialization. Agents of socialization differ in effects across religious traditions. Some believe religion is an ethnic or cultural category, making it less likely for the individuals to break from religious affiliations and be more socialized in this setting. Parental religious participation is the most influential part of religious socialization—more so than religious peers or religious beliefs.
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