Author Archive for rperrino

Dr. Perrino is an Assistant Professor (adjunct) of sociology at Northern Virginia Community College. He is also Founder/Director of Northern Virginia Tutoring Service, a comprehensive tutoring service located in Falls Church, Virginia. Assistant Professor, (Adjunct) Sociology, Northern Virginia Community College, 1984 - present; Founder and Director, Northern Virginia Tutoring Service, LLC, 1995 - present; Former teacher in Arlington County Public Schools Interlude Program for emotionally disturbed youth, and Homebound Teacher in Arlington Special Education Division; 25 years of teaching and tutoring experience with elementary through college-age students. Consultant to Northern Virginia Community College in area of strategic planning; Dr. Perrino has prepared essays in professional journals and position papers/management studies for institutions of higher education and local governments; Management and public policy experience with Fairfax County Board of Supervisors as Chief of Staff to County Board Member. Founder and Board President of Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, Arlington, Virginia (1986-1998); Board Member, Residential Program Center, Arlington, Virginia (1998-2009); Corporate sponsor, Falls Church City Business in Education Partnership; Member, Falls Church Education Foundation; Corporate sponsor, Arlington County Public Schools Partners in Education Program; Chairman, Greater Falls Church Chamber of Commerce (2009-2011); Board Member, Fairfax Partnership for Youth, 2010 – present. Outstanding Citizen Award, Arlington County Public Schools, 1992; Nominated for Outstanding Citizen Award, Arlington County Public Schools, 2005; Arlington School Administrators 2006 Civic Award; Arlington County James B. Hunter Community Hero Award, 2009.

Socialization

We, especially those of us who live in North America, like to think we are stout individuals. We set our own course, navigate the waves, and actualize our potential. Like Bill Gates we are self made individuals, heroes or losers in our own stories and in the end we’ve got only ourselves to congratulate or blame. But honestly, that’s a Hollywood story. As any Sociologist will tell you we are not the masters of our own fate but are in fact embedded in social networks were Agents of Socialization train us, tune us, and turn us out like so many cogs on an assembly line. Are you born into the working class, well your socialization will NOT prepare you for higher education. Are you born in the upper classes. Your education and training will be different. Different attitudes, different values, and even the presence of paid tutors will increase your odds of educational success. Sucks, but its true. It’s not a level playing field and whether you like it or not, you are the products of the agents who trained you.

rperrino | Jun 01, 2011 | Comments 1