Socialization is the lifelong process by which individuals learn the norms, values, behaviors, and social skills needed to function and exist within a society. It begins at birth and involves learning things like language, culture, attitudes, and how to behave in different social situations through interactions with others like family, peers, schools, media, and other social institutions also helps to ensure that members of a society know and understand the rules that they are expected to follow so that they can function effectively in society or within a particular society AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION
It teaches people what society expects of them. They tell them what is right and wrong, and they give them the skills they need to function as members of their culture. Primary agents of socialization include people with whom we have a close intimate relationship, such as parents, and usually occur when people are very young. The family is usually considered the primary agent of socialization, and schools, peer groups, and the mass media are considered secondary socialization agencies. Secondary agents of socialization are groups or institutions that influence an individual’s socialization process after or alongside primary agents like family. They include secondary relationships (not close, personal, or intimate) and function to “Liberate the individual from a dependence upon the primary attachments and relationships formed within the family group” (Parsons, 1951) THE PURPOSE OF SOCIALIZATION The purpose of socialization is to teach people the norms and customs of their culture so that they can function within it. Norms are the rules that dictate how people are expected to behave in a given situation. Customs, meanwhile, are the traditional practices of a culture, such as its values, beliefs, and rituals (Ochs, 1999). Socialization also helps to instill a sense of social control within members of a society so that they conform to its rules and regulations. Social control is the process by which a society tries to ensure that its members behave acceptably. It can be done through punishments, rewards, or simply by teaching people what is expected of them. AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION
We normally refer to the people responsible for our socialization as agents of
socialization and by extension, we can also talk about agencies of socialization (such as our family, the education system, the media, and so forth). 1. Family: Family members can include parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The 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. By participating in a race or math contest, children learn that in order to succeed, they must be better than others. This is an important value in capitalist societies, where people are expected to strive for personal gain 3. Peers: People learn from their peers (the people of their own age and similar social status) how to dress, talk, and behave. People also learn about what is important to one’s peer group andwhat is not. During adolescence, peers become even more important as agents of socialization. This is because adolescents are exploring their identities and trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world. 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 etc 4. Mass Media: The media works by providing information to a wide audience via television, newspapers, radio, and the Internet. This broad dissemination of information greatly influences social norms (Roberts, Foehr, and Rideout 2005).The media teaches people about materials, objects, current events, and fashion but also enforces nonmaterial culture: beliefs, values , and norms. It also teaches people how to think about and react to political events, such as elections. 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 and are an important avenue of socialization for many people.Synagogues, temples, churches, mosques, and similar religious communities teach participants how to interact with their religion’s material culture — for example, the mezuzah, a prayer rug, or a communion wafer. The ceremonies upheld by religion can often relate to family structure — like marriage and birth rituals, and religious institutions can reinforce gender norms through socialization. This reinforces the family unit’s power dynamics and fosters a shared set of values transmitted through the rest of society (Pearson-Merkowitz & Gimpel, 2009). Historically, religious institutions have played a significant role in social change. Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What is the Difference Between Socialization and Enculturation?
Enculturation is a process by which people learn the customs
and traditions of their culture. Socialization, on the other hand, is the process by which people learn the norms and values of their society. While socialization is the process of learning socially acceptable behavior in every culture. What is the difference between culture and socialization? Culture is the unique set of beliefs, values, customs, and knowledge of a group of people. Socialization is the process by which people learn the norms and values of their culture. Culture is passed down from generation to generation through socialization (Cromdal, 2006). Learning Theories of Socialization:
1.Observational Learning: This theory states that individuals learn new
behaviors by observing others, imitating their actions, and reinforcing their own behavior. Socialization occurs through observing and imitating role models. 2.Classical Conditioning: This theory explains how associations between stimuli and responses are formed. Socialization occurs through associating certain stimuli with social behaviors. 3.Operant Conditioning: This theory describes how behavior is modified by consequences, such as rewards or punishments. Socialization occurs through reinforcement or punishment of social behaviors. 4.Social Cognitive Theory: This theory emphasizes the role of observation, imitation, and reinforcement in learning. Socialization occurs through observing others, imitating their behavior, and reinforcing own actions. Here are five key points each on conditioning and modeling in socialization Conditioning:
1. Association: Linking actions with outcomes (e.g., sharing toys -> praise) 2. Reinforcement: Good outcomes increase behavior (e.g., praise -> repeat sharing) 3. Punishment: Bad outcomes decrease behavior (e.g., scolding -> avoid behavior) 4. Consequences: Learning from outcomes (e.g., helping -> feel good) 5. Habit Formation: Repeated behaviors become habits (e.g., regular volunteering) Modeling: 1. Observation: Watching others' behaviors (e.g., parent volunteering) 2. Imitation: Copying behaviors, attitudes, values (e.g., child helps others) 3. Identification: Relating to models (e.g., admiring a role model) 4. Social Learning: Learning from others' experiences (e.g., peer helps, you help too) 5. Internalization: Adopting modeled behaviors as own (e.g., regular helping becomes a habit) Here's an explanation of the ABC of behaviors:
A - Antecedent - What happens before the behavior – Triggers or sets the stage for the behavior Can be: Environmental (e.g., location, time of day) – Social (e.g., people, interactions) – Internal (e.g., thoughts, feelings) B - Behavior - The action or response that follows the antecedent can be Observable (e.g., talking, walking) – Non-observable (e.g., thinking, feeling) C - Consequence - What happens after the behavior - Can be: - Positive (reinforcing): - Increases behavior - Example: Praise, reward – Negative (punishing): - Decreases behavior - Example: Scolding, penalty – Neutral: - No effect on behavior - Example: Ignoring Case study for role models in the bible relating to socialization and human behavior with Bible passages as references Jesus socialized with people from all walks of life, setting an example of love, acceptance and service. He as the ultimate role model for social interaction. His empathy is evident when he wept for Lazarus (John 11:33-35), demonstrating the importance of emotional connections in relationships. Jesus submitted his own life to sacrificial service under the will of God (Luke 22:42), and he sacrificed his life freely out of service for others (John 10:30). Luke 10:25-27: In this parable, Jesus illustrates the importance of showing compassion to everyone, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. Abraham played a key part in shaping how individuals understand and practice their beliefs and behaviors. Abraham interactions, particularly his hospitality towards strangers, highlight the importance of community and relationships. (Genesis 22:9- 12).His interactions with God, his family and others provide valuable insights into faith, obedience, hospitality and integrity. (Genesis 12:2-3), (Genesis 17:9-14) Abraham (Genesis 2:25) :Role Model For Faith And Obedience.
3.The Early Church
The Acts of Apostles and the Epistles provide rich insights into how the early Christians interacted with one another and with the wider community, embodying principles of unity, generosity, and ethical living.(Acts of Apostles 4:32-37):The believers continue to demonstrate generosity by selling property and bringing the proceeds to the apostles to distribute to those in need. (Ephesians 4:25-32):Paul provides practical instructions on how to live out Christian values in daily interactions, such as speaking truthfully , being kind and compassionate. Case scenario 1
Teniola just moved to a new school .first, she is shy and unsure how to communicate and interact with her classmates. She observes how her other classmates behave, how they take turns in class, how they share their books in class. Through these observations and behaviors, she adapts to her new school behaviors and norms.
CASE SCENARIO 2 Samuel learns table manners. Samuel is 7 year old boy who always ears his meals with his family. When he was younger, he would always eat with his hands, talk while eating and leave his plates on the table when is dine eating. Through the proper guidance of his parents, he learned proper table manners like not talking while eating. OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS 1. In which of the following events did Abraham demonstrate his hospitality towards strangers? A) Genesis 17:9-14 B) Genesis 22:9-12 C) Genesis 12:2-3 D) Genesis 22:25 2. In the ABC model of behavior, which of the following best describes an "Antecedent"? A) A consequence of behavior B) The action after the behavior C) The trigger or condition before the behavior D) A reward for good behavior 3. How did Jesus demonstrate sacrificial service according to the Bible? A) By healing the sick in Luke 8:42-43 B) By sacrificing his life freely for others in John 10:30. C) By weeping for Lazarus in John 11:33-35 D) By instructing the apostles in Acts 4:32-37 4. According to Operant Conditioning, which outcome would most likely decrease a behavior? A) Positive reinforcement. B) Negative reinforcement C) Punishment D) Neutral consequence 5. Which Bible passage reflects Paul's emphasis on building unity and mutual respect among Christians? A) 1 Corinthians 9:22. B) Ephesians 4:25-32 C) Romans 15:2 D) Acts 4:32-37 6. According to Parsons (1951), what role do secondary agents of socialization play? A) Reinforce primary socialization values. B) Replace primary agents in adulthood C) Liberate individuals from dependency on primary attachments D) Instill fundamental beliefs and values 7. Which of the following is a key component of Social Cognitive Theory in the context of socialization? A) Reinforcement only. B) Imitation and reinforcement C) Punishment and association D) Behavior and outcomes 8. In the ABC model of behavior, which of the following best describes an "Antecedent"? A) A consequence of behavior B) The action after the behavior C) The trigger or condition before the behavior D) A reward for good behavior 9. What role does "Identification" play in the process of modeling during socialization? A) It reinforces habits B) It triggers behaviors C) It helps relate to the role model D) It punishes incorrect behavior 10.In Classical Conditioning, what is the primary process that forms the basis of learning? A) Observing others’ behavior B) Associating stimuli with responses C) Punishment and reinforcement D) Forming habits through repetition THEORY
1. Define socialization ii. List and explain the agents of socialization 2. List and explain five purposes of socialization ii. What is the difference between socialization and culture? iii. What is the difference between socialization and enculturation? 3. Give two role models of socialization in the bible and where it can be found. 4. List and explain the learning theories of socialization ii. List the five key points of conditioning and modeling. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, socialization is the way we learn how to fit into the
world around us. From the moment we are born, we start picking up habits, values, and ways of thinking from the people and things we interact with—like our families, schools, friends, and even what we see on TV. Socialization isn’t just about teaching us how to act—it’s about helping us feel like we belong, understand the world, and contribute to it in a meaningful way. It's how we connect with others and build the communities we live in. References
Agnew, R. (2015). General strain theory and delinquency. The handbook of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice, 2, 239-256 Bowles, S., & Gintis, H. (2011). Schooling in capitalist America: Educational reform and the contradictions of economic life. Haymarket Books. Cromdal, J. (2006). Socialization. Conger, R. D., & Dogan, S. J. (2007). Social Class and Socialization in Families. Saul McLeod, PhD BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology Socialization: A Lifespan Approach" by John H. Grych (2020) - Chapter 3: Social Learning and Conditioning Socialization: Theories and Processes" by Michael J. Shanahan (2019) - Chapter 4: Behavioral and Cognitive Approaches Human Socialization: A Lifespan Perspective" by Kathleen M. Harris (2020) - Chapter 5: Learning and Socialization Sociology: A Brief Introduction" by Richard T. Schaefer (2020) - Chapter VIDEOS TO WATCH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvwbzHnLz3Q https://youtu.be/K-RvJQxqVQc?si=Up6B7SccZIGOyHVS https://youtu.be/XvwbzHnLz3Q?si=OqptOvt6YLO_QBem
