Socialization
Process
PEDAGOGY
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Socialization
Socialization is known as the process of inducting the individual into the social world. The term socialization
refers to the process of interaction through which the growing individual learns the habits, attitudes, values
and beliefs of the social group into which he has been born.
Socialization is the way through which society transmits its culture from generation to generation and
maintains itself.
Socialization is the process by which the individual learns social behaviour, develops his ‘self.
Process of Socialization
Socialization is a comprehensive process. According to Horton and Hunt, socialization is the process
whereby one internalizes the norms of his groups, so that a distinct ‘self emerges, unique to this individual.
This process functions at two different levels 1. Within the infant, which is called internalization 2. From
outside. i.e., parents, other family members and peers etc.
Features of process of socialization
It is a continuous process: it’s a life long process that goes on from generation to generation.
Helps to control human behaviour: in order to maintain social order, human adjust to the society
through socialization and the society intend to control the behaviour unconsciously.
Socialization depends upon agencies: family, peer, school plays an effective role in the socialization
process of a child.
Socialization takes place formally or informally: formal socialization occurs through direct instruction or
education from school or colleges, while family, neighbor, peers are the prime informal sources of
socialization.
Factors of process of socialization
Imitation: It means copying others act. It may be conscious or unconscious, spontaneous of deliberate,
perceptual or ideational.
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Suggestion: it is a process of communicating information that has no logical or self-evident basis. The
suggestibility of an individual decrease with increase in maturity and mental level.
Identification: the speed and area of identification increase with age.
Language: language plays a very important role in socialization.
Stages of Socialization
There are three stages in socialization process:
1. Primary socialization: starts from infancy and is influenced by family.
2. Secondary socialization: it is influenced by the school, peer group, and the media,
3. Adult socialization: this stage is influenced by parenthood, marriage and career.
There is one more theory of stages of socialization. According to that theory, socialization has four stages, i.e.,
Oral stage, Anal stage, Puberty stage and adolescence stage.
Hindrance in socialization
Socialization doesn’t come easily for many. Hinderance starts with negative attitude of the society that
obstruct the individual’s understanding to the societal norms, belief and values. There are many reasons for
the same, but the most important reasons will be:
Hindrance in socialization
Prejudice: On the basis of Caste, Personality: Extrovert vs Introvert,
Media: Social-Media for teenagers
Creed, gender, etc. Birth order, etc.
Definition
Green defined socialization “as the process by which the child acquires a cultural content, along with selfhood
and personality”.
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Points to Remember
Socialization is basically the learning of social values and roles by its members.
Memory Tip
The adult personality formed in one society will be different from that of an adult in another society. He or
she may be un-fit for participation in another society
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