This document provides an introduction to the concept of socialization. It defines socialization as the process by which humans learn to function in society and defines it as culturally and individually relative. The document outlines socialization as a two-step process involving external teaching of social norms and internalization of those norms. It discusses why socialization is needed for both society and individual development. The document also covers primary and secondary socialization, the role of different agents of socialization like family, peers, media and schools, and different types of socialization like planned vs natural, positive vs negative, and gender socialization.

1. Introduction to Socialization 10/1/17
Robert Croker, Nanzan University 1
A Brief Introduction
to Socialization
Robert Croker
Nanzan University
Definition of Socialization
Socialization is the process that prepares
humans to function in social life.
Socialization is culturally relative –
people in different cultures are socialized
differently.
Socialization is individually relative –
people in the same group are socialized
differently.
Scott & Schwarz (2006)2
Two-Step Process
First step: the external process
The process by which a society, culture
or a group teaches a person how to
become a functioning member.
Second step: the internal process
The process by which each individual
internalizes the values and norms of the
society, culture or group.
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Why is socialization needed?
1. Society: Ensures the continuity of the
social order by teaching a society’s new
members the accepted way of doing things.
2. Individual: Provides the foundation for
the development of the individual’s
personality (relatively stable set of attitudes,
values, and behaviours) and a sense of self
(the conscious recognition of being a
distinct individual). Scott & Schwarz (2006)
4
Primary vs. Secondary
Socialization is a life process with two stages:
Primary socialization – takes place early in
life when you are a child and adolescent,
giving you your core identity. Usually takes
places at home, within your family.
Secondary socialization – takes place
throughout your life as you encounter new
groups, roles, and social situations. Usually
takes places outside the family – at school, at
university, at work, and when you move. 5
Stages in the Life Course
focus differs by age –
infancy and childhood: regulating biological
drives, developing basic cognitive process
adolescence: fostering self-image,
developing concrete then abstract thinking.
adulthood: learning specific behaviours and
developing norms, e.g. work- and family-
related roles
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2. Introduction to Socialization 10/1/17
Robert Croker, Nanzan University 2
Stages in the Life Course
roles differ by age –
childhood and adolescence: more
explicitly assuming the status of learner
within the family, school or peer group
adulthood: sometimes assuming the role of
learner, but often have more control and
independence, especially when the learning
process is self-initiated and voluntary.
7
Natural vs. Planned Socialization
Natural – through play.
Planned – other people take actions
designed to teach or train you.
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Agents of Socialization
the family – the most important agent of
socialization, the center of the child's life, as
infants are totally dependent on others (and
particularly mothers).
peer groups – social groups whose
members have interests, social positions and
age in common. Peer groups are places to
escape parental or familial supervision and
learn to form relationships on your own. 9
Agents of Socialization
media – mass and
social media.
schools –
formal vs. hidden
curriculum
10
Positive vs. Negative Socialization
Positive socialization – based upon
pleasurable and exciting experiences.
Negative socialization – occurs when
others use punishment, harsh criticisms or
anger to try to “teach you a lesson.”
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Gender Socialization
The learning of culturally defined gender
roles, behavior and attitudes – boys learning
to be boys and girls learning to be girls.
Parents: shape gender through different
interaction, activities, based on the sex of the
child; serve as primary gender models ;
communicate gender expectations + ideals.
Schools: shape gender in the classroom, and
also in the ‘corridor curriculum.’ 12