Socialization
/ˌsoʊʃələˈzeɪʃən/
Definitions
The process by which individuals acquire the knowledge, skills, values, and norms that enable them to function as members of a society.
/ˌsoʊʃələˈzeɪʃən/
The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.
The process of socialization begins in infancy.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a new kid at school. Socialization is like learning the rules of the playground, like when to share, how to talk to others, and what's cool to do. It's how we all learn to get along!
👶 For kids: Learning how to act and be a part of a group, like school or your family.
More Examples
Peer groups often influence socialization during adolescence.
A lack of proper socialization can lead to difficulties in social interaction.
How It's Used
"Sociologists study the impact of family on a child's socialization."
"Early childhood socialization is crucial for developing healthy social skills."
"Schools play a vital role in the socialization of children, teaching them how to interact with others and follow rules."
From French socialisation, from socialiser, from social, from Latin socialis ('relating to allies or companions'). The process was recognized and studied in early sociology and anthropology.
The term gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of sociology and the study of societal structures.
Memory tip
Think of a society's 'social' rules and how people learn them – socialization.