The family unit as a socializing agent
The family unit is seen as a socializing agent because it creates an environment in which an individual develops basic communication skills as well as his or her identity. It also plays an important part in creating one's identity in terms of societal roles and expectations, as well as putting norms into perspective, and is thus a socializing agent (Ivy, 2012).
Gender and family communication
Gender has a tremendous impact on family communication from a personal standpoint. Growing up, I realized that my parents' approach to talking with guys differed significantly from that of communicating with girls. The boys received a more commanding tone while the girls were softly approached whenever one engaged in bad conduct. The forms of punishment also differed in regards to gender. While boys were given tasks such as mowing the lawn and cleaning the garage, the punishment given to the girls was mostly washing utensils for a whole week. Also, mother spent most of her time with the girls while father spent most of his time with the boys. I am the firstborn and hence given plenty of duties when compared to the rest and expected to act as a role model to the rest regarding conduct.
Effective communication and conflict resolution
What worked well was that my parents listened to each child and availed their time regardless of their commitments. Negotiations would be involved whenever conflict arose especially in cases regarding misconduct whereby an individual would be taken through the implications of actions towards himself/herself and the surroundings. Therefore, the punishment would be considered positive instead of being perceived as a form of "injustice." The approach that did not work was the division of punishment as per gender. The boys viewed that the kind of punishment given to girls was more lenient when compared to theirs.
Reference
Diana, I.K., (2012). Gender Speak: Personal Effectiveness in Gender Communication. New York: Peach Pit Press.