Lecture 5

Socialization

Socialization is the process by which individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of a
given society and learn to function as a member of that society. It is a process that introduces
people to social norms and customs. This process helps individuals function well in society, and,
in turn, helps society run smoothly. Family members, teachers, religious leaders, and peers all
play roles in a person's socialization.

This process typically occurs in two stages: Primary socialization takes place from birth through
adolescence, and secondary socialization continues throughout one's life. Adult socialization may
occur whenever people find themselves in new circumstances, especially those in which they
interact with individuals whose norms or customs differ from theirs.

The Purpose of Socialization

During socialization, a person learns to become a member of a group, community, or society.

This process not only accustoms people to social groups but also results in such groups
sustaining themselves. For example, a new sorority member gets an insider's look at the customs
and traditions of a Greek organization. As the years pass, the member can apply the information
she's learned about the sorority when newcomers join, allowing the group to carry on its
traditions.

On a macro level, socialization ensures that we have a process through which the norms and
customs of society are transmitted. Socialization teaches people what is expected of them in a
particular group or situation; it is a form of social control.

Socialization has numerous goals for youth and adults alike. It teaches children to control their
biological impulses, such as using a toilet instead of wetting their pants or bed. The socialization
process also helps individuals develop a conscience aligned with social norms and prepares them
to perform various roles.

Agents of Socialization

 Families, school, peers, the media, and total institutions are all important socializing
agents or environments. A total institution is an institution in which one is totally
immersed that controls all the basics of day-to-day life
 Adult socialization simply means ways in which people are socialized as adults.
 Resocialization is the process by which one’s social values, beliefs, and norms are
challenged and perhaps reformulated in response to spending a significant amount of time
in a very different environment.

Theories of Socialization
  Charles Horton Cooley theorized that the “self” emerges from our ability to assume the
point of view of others and imagine how those others see us. Through his conception of
“looking glass self”, he posited that other people's views build, change and maintain our
self-image; thus, there is an interaction between how we see ourselves and how others see
us. Through these interactions human beings develop the idea of who they are. He argued
that when we feel shame or pride it is due to what we think others view us as.
 George Herbert Mead believed that people develop self-images through interactions
with other people. He argued that the self, which is the part of a person’s personality
consisting of self-awareness and self-image, is a product of social experience. He
developed a theory about how the social self develops over the course of childhood.
Infants know only the “I,” but through social interaction they learn about “me” and the
“other.” Finally, they develop a concept of the “generalized other,” which allows them
to apply norms and behaviors learned in specific situations to new situations.
 Mead stressed the importance of imitation, play, and games in helping children
recognize one another, distinguish between self and other, and grasp the idea that others
can have multiple roles.

Stages and Forms of Socialization

Sociologists recognize two stages of socialization: primary and secondary. Primary

socialization occurs from birth through adolescence. Caregivers, teachers, coaches, religious
figures, and peers guide this process.

Secondary socialization occurs throughout our lives as we encounter groups and situations that
were not part of our primary socialization experience. This might include a college experience,
where many people interact with members of different populations and learn new norms, values,
and behaviors. Secondary socialization also takes place in the workplace or while traveling
somewhere new. As we learn about unfamiliar places and adapt to them, we experience
secondary socialization.

Meanwhile, group socialization occurs throughout all stages of life. For example, peer groups
influence how one speaks and dresses. During childhood and adolescence, this tends to break
down along gender lines. It is common to see groups of children of either gender wearing the
same hair and clothing styles.

Organizational socialization occurs within an institution or organization to familiarize a person

with its norms, values, and practices. This process often unfolds in nonprofits and companies.
New employees in a workplace have to learn how to collaborate, meet management's goals, and
take breaks in a manner suitable for the company. At a nonprofit, individuals may learn how to
speak about social causes in a way that reflects the organization's mission.

Many people also experience anticipatory socialization at some point. This form of
socialization is largely self-directed and refers to the steps one takes to prepare for a new role,
position, or occupation. This may involve seeking guidance from people who've previously
served in the role, observing others currently in these roles, or training for the new position
during an apprenticeship. In short, anticipatory socialization transitions people into new roles so
they know what to expect when they officially step into them.

Finally, forced socialization takes place in institutions such as prisons, mental hospitals, military
units, and some boarding schools. In these settings, coercion is used to re-socialize people into
individuals who behave in a manner fitting of the norms, values, and customs of the institution.
In prisons and psychiatric hospitals, this process may be framed as rehabilitation. In the military,
however, forced socialization aims to create an entirely new identity for the individual.

Limits of Socialization

The concept of socialization if useful for understanding how people become functioning
members of society, yet it cannot explain everything about a person’s development and
personality. Biology is also a very important component; it is a combination of biology and
social interactions that makes us who we are.