What does socialization mean?
Socialization describes how individuals become participating members of a society. In its most common academic sense, it is the lifelong process through which people learn and internalize a community's values, norms, roles, and expectations. Family, education, peers, religion, media, and workplaces all contribute to it, and the process is especially important in childhood while continuing throughout adulthood. The word can also mean ordinary social interaction or the process of becoming comfortable within a group. In some historical and political contexts, it refers to establishing or reorganizing society on socialist principles. Because socialization explains how shared expectations are transmitted and maintained, it is central to sociology, education, psychology, and political science. Although generally neutral in academic contexts, the term may also suggest conformity or the shaping of behavior to fit prevailing institutions.
nounSocialization is the process through which people learn and internalize a society's norms, values, roles, and expectations, and it can also refer to social interaction or becoming comfortable within a group. In historical and political contexts, it may mean establishing or reorganizing society on socialist principles.
- The process by which people learn, internalize, and act according to the norms, values, roles, and expectations of their society.
- The process of interacting with others, becoming part of a community, or becoming comfortable in a new social setting.
- The historical or political process of establishing or reorganizing society on socialist principles.
"Early socialization teaches children how to communicate, cooperate, and understand the conventions of their community."
"Schools are among the most important institutions of socialization in a child's life."
"After moving abroad, she relied on informal socialization to become familiar with her new community."
The plural is used for distinct processes or instances, especially in academic discussion or for separate efforts to prepare people for participation in a community.
"The program offers separate socializations for new employees and their families."
Socialization begins with socius, the Latin word for a companion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does socialization come from?
The word developed during the 19th century from "social" plus the suffix "-ization," which forms a noun denoting the action or process of making something social. In turn, "social" comes from Latin socialis, meaning "of or relating to society" or "companionable," and ultimately from socius, meaning "companion" or "partner." The same root appears in society, association, associate, and sociology, reflecting the shared idea of people joined together in relationships or communities.
Related word forms
How socialization is actually used
Socialization is especially common in academic, educational, psychological, and sociological writing. It is usually neutral in academic use but can carry a critical implication when it refers to conformity, discipline, or the assimilation of individuals into dominant expectations. British English generally spells it "socialisation."
Easily confused with socialization
This is the standard British spelling of the same word; American English generally uses "socialization."