Which of the following is NOT a key agent of socialization?

The economy is not typically considered a key agent of socialization in the same way that family, peers, and media are. Key agents of socialization are primary influences that shape an individual's beliefs, values, and norms from early childhood through adulthood.

Family is often the first source of socialization, providing foundational lessons on cultural norms, values, and social roles. Peers become increasingly significant as individuals grow, offering social interactions that influence behavior and identity during adolescence. The media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of society and conveying cultural norms, especially in the contemporary world where information is readily accessible.

While the economy does influence social behavior and can shape people's experiences in terms of their social status and opportunities, it operates more as a broad framework of societal function rather than an agent that actively socializes individuals. Thus, recognizing the economy as a less direct influence clarifies why it is not categorized alongside the primary agents of socialization.