The Socialization Influence of Television on Black Children
The family, schools, and churches have long been recognized as major agents of socialization. Increasingly, television is being added to the list of institutions assuming key roles in the socialization process-the process by which one learns information, cognitive processes, values, attitudes, social roles, self-concepts, and behaviors that are generally accepted within American society ( Berger and Luckmann, 1967: Dorr, 1982).
Berry (1980) maintains that many youngsters used televised information, messages, and portrayals as a way of reinforcing their beliefs and in the process, grant television a role comparable to the traditional socializing agents. Similarly, Comstock, et.al ( 1978) describes television as a source of vicarious socialization that competes with other socializing agents in providing role models and information that affect children's attitudes, belief and behavior.
A great deal of the concern expressed by parents, educators and others about the possible influence of television on children is linked to the notion that television performs some socialization functions. Cognizant of the fact that television
PROGRAMS and characters may exert and influence on children's behaviors, attitudes, values and beliefs, Black parents and professionals became particularly concerned that television might (1) Influence Black children's attitudes.
Source: Journal of Black Studies, Vol. 15 No.1, September 1984 79-100, © 1984
Sage Publications.
“However, children and teens are being exposed to an increasing number of
fast-food advertisements,
particularly
