Which of the following is NOT considered an agent of socialization?

The correct answer is that genetics is not considered an agent of socialization. Agents of socialization are the individuals, groups, or institutions that influence personal attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, shaping an individual's social development throughout their life.

Mass media, friends, and family all play significant roles in this process. Mass media, for instance, exposes individuals to cultural norms and values, shaping perceptions and behaviors through news, entertainment, and advertising. Friends influence social skills and peer norms, providing social reinforcement and shaping an individual's behavior and identity within their social group. Family is typically one of the first and most influential agents of socialization, teaching language, norms, values, and expectations from a young age.

In contrast, genetics refers to the biological inheritance of traits and does not directly influence the socialization process. It may affect certain predispositions or characteristics, but it does not actively shape social interactions or cultural understanding in the same way that the other listed agents do.