Who is deemed to be the greatest influence on socialization during infancy and childhood?

The greatest influence on socialization during infancy and childhood is indeed best represented by relatives. During these formative years, especially in infancy, the primary socializing agents are often family members. Relatives provide the first set of interactions with the child, influencing their development and shaping their understanding of social norms, values, and behaviors. This influence is critical as it lays the foundation for a child's identity and social skills.

Relatives, including parents, grandparents, and siblings, are typically the first role models a child encounters. They engage in essential bonding activities, communication, and modeling of social behaviors, helping the child learn how to navigate relationships and understand their environment. The emotional security and attachment developed within the family context further enhance a child's ability to interact successfully with the broader world as they grow.

Other options, while important in their own contexts, do not have the same foundational impact during the earliest stages of social development. Friends and media become more influential at later stages of childhood, while teachers primarily add to socialization through educational contexts rather than through primary relational foundations.