Socialization

Socialization
Socialization is the process of learning how to behave according to the norms and values of a society. Through this process, individuals learn their culture, develop their identity, and become functioning members of society.

There are two types of socialization:

• Primary socialization happens in early childhood, mainly within the family. It teaches basic behavior, language, values, and norms.

• Secondary socialization occurs later in life, through institutions like school, peer groups, the media, and the workplace. It helps people adapt to new situations and roles.

Agents of Socialization
Agents of socialization are the people and institutions that help individuals learn how to behave in society. These include:

• Family: The first and most important agent. It teaches basic skills, values, and norms, and provides emotional support.

• Education: Schools teach discipline, cooperation, and knowledge, and prepare individuals for future roles in society.

• Peer groups: These are groups of people around the same age who influence interests, behavior, and identity, especially during adolescence.

• Media: Includes television, the internet, music, and books. It introduces people to new ideas, lifestyles, and cultural norms.

• Religion: Offers moral guidance and teaches values, beliefs, and traditions.

• Workplace: Teaches new roles, routines, and behaviors expected in professional settings.

George Herbert Mead’s Theory of the Social Self
Mead believed that our sense of self develops through social interaction. He said we come to understand ourselves by imagining how others see us and by learning to take on roles.

Mead described two parts of the self:

• The “I” is the spontaneous and creative side of a person.

• The “Me” is the socialized side, which follows rules and expectations.

He also explained three stages of development:

• Preparatory stage (around age 2): Children imitate others without understanding what they’re doing.

• Play stage (around ages 3–6): Children begin to take on the roles of others through pretend play. They understand specific roles like a parent or teacher.

• Game stage (around age 7+): Children learn to understand multiple roles at once and follow the rules of society. They develop the idea of the “generalized other,” which is an awareness of how society as a whole expects them to behave.

Charles Horton Cooley’s “Looking Glass Self”
Cooley said that our self-image is shaped by how we think others see us. This is known as the “Looking Glass Self.” It has three steps:

1. We imagine how we appear to others.

2. We imagine how others judge us.

3. We develop a self-concept based on how we think others view us.

Our identity is shaped not just by our own thoughts but by how we believe others perceive us.

Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development
Erikson believed that people go through eight stages of development, each with a specific conflict. How a person handles each conflict shapes their personality and growth.

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0–1 year): If caregivers meet an infant’s needs, they develop trust. If not, they may feel fear and mistrust.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (1–3 years): Children learn to be independent. If encouraged, they feel confident; if criticized, they may feel doubt.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3–6 years): Children start to take initiative in activities. If supported, they feel capable; if restricted, they may feel guilty.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (6–12 years): Children develop skills and feel proud of accomplishments. If they feel they can’t meet expectations, they may feel inferior.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12–18 years): Teens explore their identity. A clear sense of self brings stability; confusion leads to uncertainty about their role in life.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (20s–40s): Young adults seek close relationships. Success leads to strong bonds; failure may lead to loneliness.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (40s–60s): Adults look for ways to contribute to society and help the next generation. Success brings purpose; failure can lead to feeling stuck.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years): Older adults reflect on their lives. A sense of fulfillment brings peace; regret can lead to despair.