Socialization:
Socialization is a process by which people
develop their human capacities and acquire a
unique personality and identity and by which
culture is passed from generation to
generation.
Socialization is a process of making somebody
social and fully human.Or more appropriately,
it is a process whereby individual persons
learn and are trained in the basic norms,
values, beliefs, skills, attitudes, way of doing
and acting as appropriate to a specific social
group .
The Goals of Socialization
In terms of individual persons, the goal of socialization is to equip him or her
with the basic values, norms, skills, etc, so that they will behave and act
properly in the social group to which they belong. Socialization has also the
following specific goals (Broom and Sleznki, 1973):
To inculcate basic disciplines by restraining a child or even an adult from
immediate gratification; a child who is toilet-trained will delay relieving
himself/ herself until the proper environment is created.
a) To instill aspirations b)To teach social roles To teach skills.c) To teach
conformity to norms; d)To create acceptable and constructive personal
identities.Despite the inculcation of values and norms is significant in the
process of social integration, we need to also note that social values are not
equally absorbed by members of a society or group. The integrative function
of socialization is also not equally beneficial to all people. There is always the
question of whose values have to be inculcated? This question particularly
becomes crucial in an increasingly globalizing society. Hence, the ideological
role of socialization with the issues of differential power, control, domination
andconflict become important.
Forms of socialization
Primary Socialization - considered to be the
most important aspect of the process. It takes
place during infancy and within the context of a
family which is the first agent. Considered to be
primary because of the period - infancy and
childhood.
Secondary Socialization - occurring after
infancy and building on the process of primary
socialization
Forms of socialization
Anticipatory Socialization
A process of orienting for future roles in society or future
membership in groups. It entails social learning directed
toward gaining a desired position.
Resocialization A Process of learning new standards,
values, cultures (rehabilitation). Usually relevant to adults.
In case where persons are incarcerated or confined to a
behavior modification institution, the process of
resocialization can involve radically altering inmate’s
personality through deliberate manipulation of the
environment.
Agents of Socialization
• Institutions pass on expectations about
appropriate social behavior:
• Family
• Media
• Peers
• School
The Family
• Families introduce children to the expectations
of society.
• How parents define and treat a child is crucial to
the development of the child’s sense of self.
• Some families emphasize educational
achievement; some may be more permissive,
whereas others emphasize strict obedience and
discipline.
The Media
• The average young person (age 8–19) spends 6
3/4 hours per day immersed in media in various
forms, often using multiple media forms
simultaneously.
• Television is the dominant medium, although
half of all youth use a computer daily.
Peers
• For children, peer culture is an important source
of identity.
• Through interaction with peers, children learn
concepts of self, gain social skills, and form
values and attitudes.
