Socialization

Faiqa Chaudhary
Socialization
Socialization is the process through which people are taught to be proficient
members of a society. It describes the ways that people come to understand
societal norms and expectations, to accept society’s beliefs, and to be aware of
societal values.
Socialization is how we learn the norms and beliefs of our society. From our
earliest family and play experiences, we are made aware of societal values and
expectations.
 Types of Socialization
1- Primary Socialization

2- Secondary Socialization

3- Anticipatory Socialization

4- Resocialization
• 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
behaviours. 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.
 Anticipatory socialization , 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.
• Resocialization
It neglects the previously learned norms and replaces new ones, which
encourages individuals to move from one stage of his life to another.
Agents of Socialization
Agents of Socialization

1- Family
Family members can include parents, siblings, grandparents etc. Family is the first
and most important agent of socialization for children.It is through families that
people learn about culture and how to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.
Families also teach people about language and communication, how to relate to
others, and how the world works.
2- Schools
Schools are an important secondary agent of socialization. Most students spend most of the
day at school, immersing themselves in both academic subjects and behaviors like
teamwork, following a schedule, and using textbooks. These school rituals reinforce what
society expects from children.
3- Peers
People learn from their peers (the people of their own age and similar social status) how to
dress, talk, and behave. Peers provide support and guidance during this time and help
people learn about the norms and values of their culture — as well as what to wear, eat,
watch, and where to spend time.On the downside, adolescent peer influences have been
seen as responsible for underage drinking, drug use.
4- Media
The media works by providing information to a wide audience via television, newspapers,
radio, and the Internet.The media teaches people about material objects, current events,
and fashion etc. In addition, it provides information about what is happening in other parts
of the world, how people in other cultures live, and how people from a particular society
should perceive the way that others live.
5- Religion
Religions can be both formal and informal institutions, any is an important avenue of
socialization for many people. Temples, Churches, Mosques, and similar religious
communities teach participants how to interact with their religion.
6- Government
The government is another agent of socialization. It enacts laws that uphold social norms and
values, and it also provides institutions and services that support citizens. Government is notable
in that it can fund a number of institutions that encourage socialization. For example, the
government funds public schools, which play a key role in children’s socialization.

The military is another example of how the government can influence people”s socialization
experiences. For instance, the military teaches people how to work together in a hierarchy, follow
orders, and use violence to achieve objectives. People who serve in the military often come from
different backgrounds and have different values.
Personality Development
Personality is the person as a whole, with all his outstanding characteristics, his ability, his
emotional and social traits, his interests and attitude.
It is the development of the organized pattern of behaviors and attitudes that makes a
person distinctive.
Socialization changes personality turning into a biological being into a social being.
Personality Theories
1- Psychoanalytic Theory - Sigmund Freud

2- Psychosocial Status - Erik Erikson

Psychoanalytic Theory
• Sigmund Freud – 1856 to 1939
• Father of psychoanalysis
• Focus is unconscious mind
• Desires, needs and wants
• He identified 3 levels of human consciousness as:
1- Conscious mind
2- Preconscious mind
3- unconscious mind
1- Conscious mind gives meaning to ordinary everyday life

2- Preconscious mind level possess memories that we cannot easily be aware of but can
recall through the unconscious level

3- Unconscious mind keeps all the things that direct all the behaviors such as instincts,
desires and wishes
Freud divides human personality into three significant components: the id, ego and
super-ego.

Id it is an impulsive, irrational part of the self which is based on the “Pleasure

principle”.
The main factor that drives ‘id’ the immediate catering of wants, needs, gratification
and fulfillment of desires. Non-satisfaction results in anxiety or tension.

Ego is the conscious or rational part based on the reality principle and mediates
between id and super-ego. It focuses on pleasing id’s drives realistically.
 superego (conscience) inculcates moral judgment and societal rules upon the ego, thus

forcing the demands of the id to be met not only realistically but morally.
Psychosocial Theory- Erik Erikson
1- Trust VS Mistrust
Age Range: Infancy, 0-1 year

Core Question: “Can I trust the people around me?”

The first stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development occurs between birth and 1
year of age and is the most fundamental stage in life. Because an infant is utterly
dependent, developing trust is based on the dependability and quality of the child's
caregivers.

At this point in development, the child is utterly dependent upon adult caregivers for
everything they need to survive including food, love, warmth, safety, and nurturing. If a
caregiver fails to provide adequate care and love, the child will come to feel that they
cannot trust or depend upon the adults in their life.
2- Autonomy VS Shame & Doubt
Age Range: Toddlerhood, 1-3 years

Core Question: “Can I do things myself, or am I reliant on the help of others?”

Parents’ encouragement, support, and freedom to make choices are critical factors in
helping children successfully transition through the autonomy vs shame and doubt
stage.The successful development of autonomy in children helps them increase
confidence, gain independence and have better relationships with others at a small age and
in adult life.

A child can become less autonomous and develop feelings of shame and doubt if they are
not allowed to make decisions on their own, have overly controlling parents, have stressful
events, or even lack of support. The inability to develop autonomy can lead to a child’s
lack of confidence and poor social skills or even create a negative self-image.
3- Initiative VS Guilt
Age Range: Preschool, 3-6 years

Core Question: “Am I good or bad?”

A supportive environment, encouragement of independence, and support for creativity are

all critical factors for a child to succeed at the initiative vs. guilt stage.When children
develop initiative, they can increase their self-esteem, improve problem solving skills, gain
greater independence, better academic performance, and even improve physical health.

Criticism and punishment, lack of opportunities and encouragement, overprotective

parenting, fear of failure, and traumas are among the factors that can cause children to fail
at the initiative vs. guilt stage.When parents fail to develop their child’s initiative, the
consequences can range from negative to serious. These include a lack of self-confidence
and independence, poor academic performance, anxiety, and depression.
4- Industry VS Inferiority
Age Range: Elementary School, 6-12 years

Core Question: “How can I be good?”

The fourth psychosocial stage takes place during the early school years. Through social
interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and
abilities.

Children need to cope with new social and academic demands. Success leads to a sense of
competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority.
5- identity VS role conflict
Age Range: Adolescence, 12-18 years
Core Question: “Who am I?”

This stage plays an essential role in developing a sense of personal identity which will
continue to influence behavior and development for the rest of a person's life. Teens need
to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to
yourself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.

During adolescence, children explore their independence and develop a sense of self.2
Those who receive proper encouragement and reinforcement through personal exploration
will emerge from this stage with a strong sense of self and feelings of independence and
control. Those who remain unsure of their beliefs and desires will feel insecure and
confused about themselves and the future.
6- Intimacy VS Isolation
Age Range: Young Adulthood, 18-40 years

Core Question: “Will I be loved, or will I be alone?”

Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success leads
to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation. This stage covers
the period of early adulthood when people are exploring personal relationships.

Erikson believed it was vital that people develop close, committed relationships with other
people. Those who are successful at this step will form relationships that are enduring and
secure.
7- Generativity vs. Stagnation
Age Range: Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years

Core Question: “How can I contribute to the world?”

Adults need to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or
creating a positive change that benefits other people. Success leads to feelings of
usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

During adulthood, we continue to build our lives, focusing on our career and family. Those
who are successful during this phase will feel that they are contributing to the world by
being active in their home and community. Those who fail to attain this skill will feel
unproductive and uninvolved in the world.
8- Integrity VS Despair
Age Range: Late Adulthood, 65+ years

Core Question: “Did I live a meaningful life?”

The final psychosocial stage occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on
life. At this point in development, people look back on the events of their lives and
determine if they are happy with the life that they lived or if they regret the things they did
or didn't do.

At this stage, people reflect back on the events of their lives and take stock. Those who
look back on a life they feel was well-lived will feel satisfied and ready to face the end of
their lives with a sense of peace. Those who look back and only feel regret will instead feel
fearful that their lives will end without accomplishing the things they feel they should
have.