Society plays an important role on personality. The self does not exist on its own but has a direct and continuous relation with others. From birth onward, the social environment shapes and defines people, whether it is through family, school or friends. Through the process of socialization, the individual acquires a set of behaviors, beliefs and opinions passed on by her respective culture, yet there is still debate as to what extent nurture may override nature.
Humor is an important part of human interaction and is often a reflection of cultural norms and attitudes. Although humor has many positive psychological effects on health and well-being, it can also create, maintain and augment stereotypes about gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity. In fact, research has shown that sexist humor about women affects one's attitudes toward gender and sexual discrimination.
A growing social and psychological problem in schools is the act of bullying. It creates tension and conflicts and an atmosphere of violence that have negative and lasting effects on the victims. Further and more recent studies of the psychology of bullying would shed light on its roots and causes and how to best deal with it.
The issue of sexual education and its effects on young children is still under investigation and has reached no definite consensus. Some researchers argue that early sex education decreases unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, while others believe it may have unintended consequences, such as sexual activity at a younger age and promiscuity.