SOCIALIZATION

LECTURE NO 8
 DEFINITION

• Socialization is the lifelong process through

which individuals acquire the knowledge,
values, norms, and behaviors essential for
participating effectively in society.
 NATURE OF SOCIALIZATION

• Continuous:
• Socialization occurs throughout an individual's life,
from infancy to old age.
• Example: A person may continue to learn new social norms and
behaviors as they transition from student to employee to retiree.
• Interactive:
• Socialization involves interactions between individuals
and their environment, including other people,
institutions, and cultural influences.
• Example: Children learn language and social skills by interacting
with family members, peers, and educators.
 NATURE OF SOCIALIZATION

• Adaptive:
• Socialization enables individuals to adapt to changing
social contexts, including new roles, environments, and
cultural norms.
• Example: Immigrants adapt to the social norms and practices of their new
country to integrate into society effectively.
• Hierarchical:
• Socialization often occurs within hierarchical structures,
where individuals learn their roles and positions in
society.
• Example: Employees learn workplace hierarchies and organizational
structures to understand their roles and responsibilities.
 NATURE OF SOCIALIZATION

• Inclusive:
• Socialization involves the inclusion of individuals into social
groups and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and
identity.
• Example: New members joining a sports team undergo socialization
processes to become part of the team culture and dynamics.
• Cognitive:
• Socialization influences cognitive development by shaping
individuals' thoughts, beliefs, and understanding of the
world.
• Example: Children learn societal norms and values through socialization,
which shapes their moral reasoning and decision-making processes
 NATURE OF SOCIALIZATION

• Cultural:
• Socialization is deeply influenced by cultural norms,
values, and practices, which vary across societies
and communities.
• Example: Cultural rituals and traditions play a significant
role in socializing individuals into specific cultural identities
and behaviors.
 BASIS/AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION

• Cultural Influences: Cultural norms, values, and

traditions shape individuals' understanding of
social behavior.
• Example: In some cultures, respecting elders is a deeply ingrained norm,
influencing how individuals interact with authority figures.
• Familial Influences: Families are the first and most
influential socializing agents. They teach
language, basic social norms, and provide
emotional support.
• Example: Parents teaching children manners and sharing behaviors
during family meals.
 BASIS/AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION

• Educational Influences: Schools transmit formal

knowledge and societal norms. They teach
academic subjects and social skills necessary for
functioning in society.
• Example: Schools teach students about citizenship, teamwork, and
punctuality.
• Institutional Influences: Various institutions such as
government, legal systems, and workplaces
enforce societal norms and regulations.
• Example: Workplace dress codes enforce professional appearance
norms.
 BASIS/AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION

• Peers: Friends and peer groups influence attitudes,

behaviors, and socialization outside the family context.
• Example: Teenagers adopting slang or fashion trends from their peer
group.
• Media: Mass media, including television, internet, and
social media, shape attitudes, values, and behaviors.
• Example: Advertising campaigns influencing consumer preferences and
behaviors.
• Religion: Religious institutions provide moral guidance,
social norms, and community support.
• Example: Religious ceremonies reinforcing ethical principles such as
kindness and forgiveness.
 ROLE OF SOCIALIZATION

Formation of Identity:
• Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping individuals'
identities, including their values, beliefs, and understanding
of themselves.
• Example: A child raised in a religious household may develop a strong religious
identity and moral beliefs based on the teachings and practices of their family
and community.
Transmission of Culture:
• Socialization passes on societal norms, values, and beliefs from
one generation to the next, ensuring cultural continuity.
• Example: Cultural traditions such as celebrating holidays or participating in
religious rituals are passed down through socialization processes within
families and communities.
 ROLE OF SOCIALIZATION

Social Integration:
• Socialization helps individuals become functioning
members of society by teaching them the
necessary skills, behaviors, and roles to participate
effectively.
• Example: Through socialization in schools, children learn how to
interact with peers, follow rules, and collaborate in group
activities, preparing them for future social and professional
interactions.
 SOCIALIZATION AND LIFE COURSE

Childhood:
• Primary socialization occurs in childhood, where children learn
fundamental social skills and behaviors from their family and
immediate surroundings.
• Example: Children learn basic communication skills, such as speaking and
listening, through interactions with their parents and siblings during early
childhood.
Adolescence:
• Secondary socialization occurs during adolescence, involving
interactions with peers, schools, and media, as individuals
develop a more independent identity.
• Example: Teenagers may develop new interests, attitudes, and values influenced
by their peer group, social media, and experiences outside the family
 SOCIALIZATION AND LIFE COURSE

Adulthood:
• Tertiary socialization continues throughout
adulthood, involving adaptation to changing social
roles, environments, and life transitions.
• Example: Adults may undergo socialization processes when
transitioning to new careers, becoming parents, learning new
skills and adapting to new social roles and responsibilities.
 THE SELF AND SOCIALIZATION

Self-Concept:
• Self-concept refers to individuals' perception of themselves,
including their beliefs, values, and characteristics, which are
influenced by social interactions and feedback from others.
• Example: A teenager who receives positive feedback from peers for their athletic
abilities may develop a self-concept as a skilled athlete, influencing their self-
esteem and future behaviors.
Self-Society:
• The self is constructed through social interactions and societal
expectations, as individuals internalize cultural norms, roles,
and values, shaping their sense of identity.
• Example: A person raised in a collectivist culture may prioritize group harmony and
cooperation, leading to a self-identity centered around fulfilling societal
expectations of loyalty and interdependence.
 THE SELF AND SOCIALIZATION

Situational Self:
• The situational self refers to how individuals adapt
their self-presentation and behavior according
to different social situations, roles, and
contexts.
• Example: An individual may behave confidently and
assertively in a leadership role at work but exhibit more
reserved and deferential behavior in social settings with
friends or family.