Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society: "Socialization" refers to the lifelong process through which individuals acquire the skills, habits, values, and norms of their society or social group, enabling them to function effectively within it.
   • The act of interacting socially with others: "Socialization" can also mean the activity of mixing socially with others, often for pleasure or to build relationships.
   • The process of bringing something under public ownership or control: In political and economic contexts, "socialization" refers to the act of transferring an industry or service from private to state ownership or control.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Early childhood socialization is crucial for developing communication skills.
  • The conference provided opportunities for professional socialization among the attendees.
  • The party advocated for the socialization of key industries like energy and transportation.

Advanced Usage

• "Primary socialization": the initial process of learning the basic values, norms, and behaviors of a culture, typically occurring within the family during early childhood.
  • Primary socialization teaches children fundamental concepts like language and manners.
• "Secondary socialization": the process of learning appropriate behavior within smaller sections of society, such as schools, workplaces, or peer groups.
  • Joining the military involves a powerful form of secondary socialization.
• "Anticipatory socialization": the process where individuals rehearse for future social roles and relationships.
  • Internships serve as a form of anticipatory socialization for the professional world.

Variants and Related Words

• Socialize (verb): to behave in a friendly way with others; to train or adapt to fit the needs of a social group.
  • It's important to socialize puppies at a young age.
• Social (adjective): relating to society or its organization; relating to activities where people meet for pleasure.
  • She has a very active social life.
• Socialism (noun): a political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods.
  • The ideology of socialism influenced the call for the socialization of healthcare.

Synonyms

• Acculturation: the process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group.
• Enculturation: the process by which an individual learns the traditional content of a culture and assimilates its practices and values.
• Interaction: reciprocal action or influence; communication or direct involvement with someone.

Related Phrases

• "Agent of socialization": a person or institution that shapes an individual's social development (e.g., family, school, media).
  • Teachers are important agents of socialization.
• "Process of socialization": the ongoing series of experiences through which individuals learn their culture.
  • The process of socialization continues throughout a person's life.

Related Idioms

• "To be socialized into something": to be taught or conditioned to accept certain norms or behaviors of a group.
  • New employees are quickly socialized into the company's culture of innovation.

Noun

1. the adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture
   • the socialization of children to the norms of their culture
2. the act of meeting for social purposes
   • there was too much socialization with the enlisted men
3. the action of establishing on a socialist basis
   • the socialization of medical services