In social psychology, when sociologists use the term 'agents of socialization,' what are they referring to?

• A. The biological factors that determine an individual's personality traits
• B. The economic systems that shape a society's structure
• C. The individuals, groups, and institutions that influence a person's social development and help them learn the norms and values of their society
• D. The legal rules that govern social behavior

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that 'agents of socialization' is a key concept in social psychology and sociology related to how individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and behaviors of their society.
2. Recognize that biological factors refer to innate traits and are not considered agents of socialization because they are not about social learning.
3. Identify that economic systems and legal rules are broader societal structures, but they do not directly interact with individuals to teach social norms in the way agents of socialization do.
4. Focus on the definition that agents of socialization are the individuals, groups, and institutions (such as family, peers, schools, media) that directly influence a person's social development.
5. Conclude that the correct understanding of agents of socialization is that they are the social sources that help a person learn and adopt the culture and social expectations of their society.