It has come to my attention that there are a couple in class topics that I failed to address in the last entry. One of them being agents of socialization: media, gender, peers, family, school, total institutions, workplace, and sports. The only one that I had not considered a major factor in our socialization was the total institution. After thinking about it, I determined the fact that it's not a major factor in our socialization because it is so prevalent, but because of its immense ability to completely reconstruct our social image. Those who are part of the US military and other total institutions are socialized very different than the average American. From what I've seen portrayed in films, and a hint of personal experience, the idea is to hold authority, its aquisition, and the well being of fellow people and soldiers at the highest ideal. In comparison to mainstream America, this is practically counterculture. The strength of total institutions to influence our socialization is immense, and although they may not be as common a factor as the rest, they still deserve mention.
            The other thing I failed to mention in my last entry was the new emerging stage in social development known as transitional adulthood, or emerging adulthood. I was always curious as to why my working generation is perceived to be so lazy. I think about my future all the time, and whether or not I myself am going to move back in with my parents after college. I'd prefer not to, but I might not have a choice if I cannot be financially independent. I liked the explanation given for the new stage of social development, because it argued that the emerging workforce is not lazy, they are in fact working their asses off at jobs that just don't put out. The job market is not is the same position that it was 30 years ago. In order to get a job that pays well enough to comfortably support a family, one must attend college, and most starting salaries can't comfortably support a family no matter what you're doing for a living. The reality is that there are no well paying manufacturing jobs to pay the bills any more, and anything and everything else requires a degree. Not to mention the fact that getting a degree in America has become extremely difficult to acheive financially. The interest rates on student loans have become so rediculous that they are becoming responsible for life long debts. Getting a Masters in college is no longer a worth while option if one doesn't have a dream job lying in wait upon the completion of their master's program, because of the enormous debt that accompanies it.
Higher Education. Is it Worth it?