How does society shape and influence Scout in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird?

Scout's character develops extensively throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, and she is greatly influenced by Maycomb's society. Scout encounters prejudice, traditional ideologies about gender, various religious beliefs, delicate social relationships, the inefficient justice system, and standardized education throughout Maycomb's society. Scout's initial beliefs and views about various social issues are influenced by her neighbors and their way of life in the small town of Maycomb. Many of those initial beliefs are challenged and corrected by her father, brother, Calpurnia, and Miss Maudie. Scout's views regarding her neighbors, and other citizens, are shaped by those around her. She tells Calpurnia that Walter is just a Cunningham, which she more than likely heard from her classmates. She believes the rumors about Boo Radley, which is information she indirectly receives from Miss Stephanie. Scout learns about Boo's true identity from her neighbor, Miss Maudie. Miss Maudie also explains the negatives attached to religious fanaticism. Scout hears racial slurs from prejudiced community members throughout the novel, and asks Atticus the meaning behind the terms she hears, such as "nigger-lover." Her experience in the community introduces her to explicit subjects such as rape and mob mentality. In school, her teacher, Mrs. Gates, hypocritically condemns Hitler, while she supports segregation and prejudice at home. Scout becomes skeptical of what she witnesses outside in the community and compares what she sees and hears to what her father teaches her. Topics related to equal treatment regardless of race and social class become illuminated as Scout matures. She witnesses racial injustice during Tom's trial, but is not jaded about Maycomb's community like her brother, Jem. Scout learns the complexities attached to human nature from Calpurnia, Walter Cunningham Sr., Mrs. Dubose, and Boo Radley. She learns that people have both positive and negative qualities, and that traditional views are hard to change. Many of the ideas that Atticus teaches Scout are juxtaposed against a prejudiced, backward society. Scout learns that no matter how imperfect society is, individuals with integrity and courage can change it.