Week #4 - Schools are seen as some of the most influential

Sociology Website of the Week #4

Schools are seen as some of the most influential agents of socialization, because of their tremendous impact on the intellectual and emotional development of individuals. The potential power of public education as a tool of political or religious socialization is so strong that it requires institutional constraints. Individuals in the public education system must also deal with peer influences from different ethnic backgrounds and economic classes, which may be at odds with their own. The potential negative impact of "peer groups" on the educational process is cited as a primary motivation for parents to seek "home schooling."

1. Use the Internet to find a website that addresses the issue of home schooling.
2. Using this site, describe the arguments in favor of and against home schooling.
3. Give specific examples of how concepts related to socialization are at play.