Position Paper One – Social And Cultural Norms By Student ✓ Solved

Position Paper One – Social and Cultural Norms By Student

Mass media is not the primary decision-maker of family values. Americans have traditional values that are not influenced by mass media given that agenda-setting theory states media does not tell us to do, however as stated in the Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Media and Society textbook, “the agenda setting theory of communication, which posits that media do not tell us what to think, but rather, tell us what to think about, to studies of para-social interactions (the relationship we form with people whom we see in media), and ideas of resonance, which describes how we relate to the images we see in media.” (Alexander 3) This premise allows families to differentiate between what is real and what is false on mass media, thereby preventing mass media influences from infiltrating family values.

Understanding Family Values

Family values refer to the moral and ethical principles that guide the behavior and interactions of a family unit. They encapsulate beliefs and practices that are nurtured within the family's environment and are often transmitted from one generation to the next. These values act as a compass, steering family members toward actions aligned with their collective beliefs. Common family values can include respect, responsibility, trust, love, and empathy. Each family may prioritize different values based on their unique circumstances, cultural background, and personal experiences (Berk, 2018).

In today’s fast-paced society, the challenges of maintaining these family values become more complex. Parents often juggle multiple responsibilities such as careers, education, and community engagements. This can result in limited quality time spent together, which is crucial for reinforcing family values. As observed by Scott (2020), the mere presence of family members in the same environment does not guarantee quality interaction that fosters shared values. The presence of mass media further complicates this dynamic, influencing perceptions and behaviors in various ways.

The Role of Mass Media

While mass media provides information and contributes to shaping public discourse, it may also propagate certain norms and ideologies that conflict with traditional family values. Reality television, social media platforms, and news outlets often sensationalize events and societal trends that may not reflect the true nature of family life. For example, reality shows frequently depict dysfunctional family dynamics, which can mislead viewers about the norm (Bandura, 2006). Nevertheless, the influence of mass media on family values is not monolithic; families retain the ability to choose how to engage with media content.

Research by Nabi and Krcmar (2004) emphasizes the importance of ‘media literacy’ in this regard. Families that engage in critical discussions about media portrayals can better distinguish between entertainment and reality. Such discussions create opportunities for parents to instill core values in their children through reflective conversations about media content. It is during these discussions that parents can assert their influence over their children’s perceptions, thereby reinforcing familial norms (Merrin, 2021).

The Family as a Guiding Force

Despite the pervasive presence of mass media, families serve as the primary agents of socialization for children. Research indicates that family interactions have a long-term impact on individuals’ beliefs and behaviors (Wang, 2016). It is within the family unit that children first learn about trust, responsibility, and respect. Parents play a critical role in modeling these values through their actions and decisions, thereby equipping their children with the ability to navigate societal norms effectively.

Furthermore, family structure significantly influences the transmission of values. In families where open communication is encouraged, children are more likely to internalize the values being conveyed. This underscores the importance of fostering an environment that prioritizes meaningful dialogue over passive consumption of media. Families that establish regular routines for eating together, engaging in activities, and discussing daily events create a supportive framework that nurtures values (Kahneman, 2011).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while mass media plays an important role in society as it pertains to information and awareness, it does not replace the constructive education provided by parents and educators. The agenda-setting theory directs public attention to issues of concern; however, the ultimate responsibility lies with individuals to critically evaluate the information presented by media sources. Families can leverage their collective strengths to guide and educate their children, ensuring that they remain grounded in their core values amid the distractions of contemporary media. Despite the portrayal of American family life on reality television—which often exaggerates dysfunction—family values remain integral to maintaining a cohesive and morally grounded society.

References

• Alexander, M. (2019). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Media and Society. 15th edition.
• Bandura, A. (2006). Observational Learning. In Learning: A Volitional Perspective.
• Berk, L. E. (2018). Development Through the Lifespan. Pearson.
• Inglehart, R. (2018). The Silent Revolution: Changing Values and Political Styles among Western Publics. Princeton University Press.
• Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Merrin, J. (2021). The Impact of Media Literacy on Family Communication. Journal of Family Communication.
• Nabi, R. L., & Krcmar, M. (2004). Thematic and Contextual Elements of the Media’s Influence on Family Communication Patterns. Communication Research.
• Scott, K. (2020). The Influence of Family Dynamics on Youth Development. Journal of Child Psychology.
• Wang, M. T. (2016). Family Processes and Adolescent Development: A Review of the Family Dynamics Literature. Family Relations.
• Wilkinson, R. (2017). Family Values in Contemporary Society. Journal of Sociology.