SOCIALIZATION
Definitions
• Socialization is the process by which an individual learns to conform to
the norms of the group.
—WF Ogburn
• Socialization consists of complex processes of interaction through which
an individual learns habits, beliefs, skills and standards of judgment that
are necessary for his effective participation in social groups and
communities.
—Lundberg
Definitions
• Socialization is a process whereby original nature is transformed into
human nature and an individual into a person.
—HT Majumdar
• Socialization is the process of working together of developing group
responsibility, of being guided by the welfare needs of others.
—Bogardus
Importance of Socialization
• Helps in survival and overall human development
• Trains individuals to perform social roles and learn discipline
• Helps develop self-identity and understand one’s place in society
• Encourages conformity to social norms, giving a sense of belonging and unity
• Enables transfer of culture from one generation to the next
• Helps maintain social order and control through internalized norms
• Supports and sustains the social structure of society
Characteristics of socialization
• Acquired formally and informally
• Gradual and continuous process
• Product of interaction between heredity and environment
• Often predictable
• Unique process
•Formally and informally
•Informal: learned through family and daily life
•Formal: learned through schools and education
•Gradual and lifelong process
•Continues from birth to death
•Follows a sequence, though speed differs among individuals
•It is influenced by both heredity and environment
•Heredity gives inborn traits
•Environment shapes behavior through family, society, and living
conditions
•Predictable
•Each life stage has common social patterns
•Development rate is fairly consistent, allowing early prediction
•Unique process
•No two children develop social skills in the same way
•Differences arise due to heredity and environment
SOCIAL PROCESS
• Birth Learning sharing, adjustment, identity
• ↓ ↓
• Family (Primary contact)
Community & Social Institutions
• ↓
↓
• Learning basic behaviour, language,
values Learning social norms, culture, responsibility
• ↓
↓
• School
Internalization of norms & roles
• ↓
• Learning discipline, roles, ↓
cooperation
Socially adjusted individual
• ↓
↓
• Peer Group
↓ Maintenance of social order
Factors Influencing Socialization
• Biological characteristics – Inborn senses, brain, instincts, and emotions
influence social development.
• Social interaction – Interaction helps learn language, behavior, and
social norms.
• Outcome of interaction – Proper behavior is learned through
meaningful interactions.
• Approval and disapproval – Approved actions are repeated;
disapproved actions are stopped.
Stages of Socialization
[Link] Socialization
• First stage of socialization
• Child interacts mainly with parents and family
• Learns basic activities like walking, speaking, eating
• Family is the main agent of socialization
[Link] Socialization
• Child interacts with people outside the family
• Influenced by neighbors, playmates, school, teachers, and books
• Learns communication, behavior, and adjustment
3. Adolescent Socialization
• Friends, school, teachers, sports, and recreation are
important
• Socialization varies in rural, urban, and tribal settings
• Learns social values, culture, and traditions
4. Adult Socialization
• Individual takes up work, family, and social roles
• Influenced by education, occupation, marriage, and
friends
• Many agents and roles shape adult behavior
Types of Socialization
[Link] Socialization
• Begins at birth and forms the basic personality
• Child learns basic behavior, values, norms, and roles
• Family, friends, teachers, and peers are main agents
[Link] Socialization
• Starts when the child moves beyond the family
• Continues throughout life
• Influenced by school, work, religion, peers, and media
3. Anticipatory Socialization
• Prepares the individual for future roles
• Person practices behaviors of groups they expect to join
• Helps in building future social relationships
4. Developmental Socialization
• Occurs in adulthood
• Individual learns new roles like job, marriage, and responsibilities
• Old learning combines with new learning
5. Resocialization
• Involves unlearning old roles and learning new ones
• Occurs during major life changes
• Individual adopts new values, norms, and behavior
Agencies of Socialization
Family
• First and most important agency
• Teaches language, values, morals, love, cooperation, and discipline
• Shapes personality throughout life
School / Educational Institutions
• Teaches discipline, teamwork, cooperation, and competition
• Helps develop skills, responsibility, and social behavior
Peer Group
• Friends of similar age and interests
• Teaches sharing, cooperation, adjustment, and social skills
• Strong influence during adolescence
Religion
• Teaches values, beliefs, morals, and social
responsibility
• Promotes social cohesion and control of behavior
State / Legal System
• Makes laws and rules to guide behavior
• Enforces discipline through rewards and punishment
Mass Media
• Includes TV, radio, newspapers, films, and books
• Influences attitudes, opinions, values, and behavior