7 Types of Socialization Processes

Society is an integral part of our life. As we grow up, we develop ourselves by living in society. Socialization is the process where a person learns the physical, cognitive, emotional, mental, and social skills needed to survive. Therefore, socialization processes play a unique role because without socialization human beings are like animals.

Socialization is a process that continues for a lifetime. And it plays an important role in emotional and cognitive development during childhood. At birth, the child is born with some innate capacities. These capacities are mostly biologically determined. As the child grows up, he gets socialized according to his ability and capacity.

Socialization is maintaining a balanced relationship between oneself and society. So, this process is called socialization. The process of socialization can be either formal or informal.  It helps to perform different roles. Socialization transmits culture and norms from one generation to another.  How much a person will be socialized depends on his genetic makeup, personality type, and environmental influences.

Man cannot live his life without social interaction and experiences. According to William Fielding Ogburn, ” Socialization is a process of learning the norms of the group and society.”

Types of Socialization 

Seven different types of socialization processes. They are:- primary, secondary, anticipatory, resocialization, adult, organizational, and group socialization.

1. Primary Socialization 

A child learns to live in a society with the help of family. So, children behave the same way as parents behave while living in society. And maximum development takes place in this socialization. Because the child fulfills their needs by staying with the family. And the child shares his thoughts with the family. Primary socialization is an integral part of socialization.

Children acquire specific skills- humor, communication, and interaction through primary socialization. As a consequence, mother tongue language cannot develop in a child without primary socialization.

The primary socialization includes grandmother, grandfather, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, siblings, mother, and father. How much the child will be socialized depends on the behavior of his parents.

2.  Secondary Socialization 

This socialization happens outside the family. So, it is called secondary socialization. When the child learns the values, beliefs, and attitudes from education, institutes, and peer group, then this process is called secondary socialization. So, this socialization is presented with the help of temples, churches, mass media, social media, and sports groups.

Secondary socialization is very important for overall development. Because secondary socialization takes precedence over primary socialization.

3.  Anticipatory Socialization

It is the process by which non-group members adopt the values and norms of groups that they aspire to join. In this socialization, a person rehearses future behavior related to occupations and social relationships.

Example 1-  Couple understands each other’s thoughts while living together before getting married.       

Example 2- Any army soldier who undergoes weapons training before going on duty.

4.  Resocialization 

In this process, old behaviors are replaced by new behaviors. When the old behavior is not useful for us, then we have to accept the new behavior. When you start following the norms and culture of a new society, then you have to leave the old norms and culture of your society. Two types of resocialization. They are voluntary and involuntary resocialization.

 I.  Voluntary Resocialization  When you change old behavior into a new behavior, then this process is called voluntary resocialization.

Example:- New job, Promotion.

II.  Unvoluntary resocialization    When you change your old behavior without your will, this process is called involuntary resocialization.

Example:– In Jail, Prison’s behavior, In Drug de-addiction centre.

5. Adult Socialization

When you become mature then the process of adult socialization begins. It describes how an adult adjusts to society in a new situation. So, when an adult gets married, he discusses related to financial, and pregnancy with life partner.

Adults struggle a lot to make their life successful. And he works hard for it. He does smart work along with hard work. And as he moves toward his goal. As he socializes more and more. Because he has more experience. So, he achieves his goal.

6.  Organizational Socialization

In an organizational situation, the employer learns the knowledge and skills of staff members. In the organizational system, the behavior of the group affects the employee and he moves according to them.

Being in a group, a person does different activities and works.

Example- Employees are affected by the behavior of the manager. If the manager behaves negatively. Then it will also have a negative effect on the employees. And the productivity of the company will decrease. And if the manager is cooperative. Then there will be a positive effect on employees.

7.  Group Socialization 

Adolescents spend maximum time with peer group. When the child starts liking the rules and regulations of the peer group, he starts following the same rule and conditions. In addition, a positive group is like a person’s backbone.

Human is a social animal. And man is the best of all creatures. Because it uses more cognition power. Man-made many discoveries on the strength of his intelligence. And it is human nature to live in a group.

Agents of Socialization

Family plays a major role in socializing the child first. After this socialize educational institutes and peer-group with the child. All these agents of socialization play a role in socializing children. They are family, school, religion, peer group, social media, government, sports, and workplace.

1. Family

   In socialization, the family agent is also called the primary agent. The family agency prepares the child based on how much he or she will be socialized. Family members assist the child as guidance workers. As a result, these family members teach a child related to eating, sensible conversation, playing, and other so on.

2. School 

Children spend 6-8 hours in school. This is what time contributes to socializing children. In school, a child learns to talk sensibly. And children learn how to achieve the goal by being in a group.

School is a part of secondary socialization. Curriculum activity also contributes to socializing the child. In short, the school is called the temple of learning.

The child is formally in contact with the teacher. Because the child starts understanding the importance of the teacher. So he is more disciplined.

3. Religion

It tells how you have to follow rules while living in a society. It tells that God can be attained by following the path of truth and honesty. Therefore, religion is related to belief, cultural systems, and spirituality.

Religion makes a person a believer. And religious people socialize a person through religious stories.

4. Peer Group

It is part of a social group. The child is well-socialized if the group is good. And peer groups are formed according to the interest of the child. And positive group leads to positive development.

Peer group influence for lifetime. If a person lives in a religious group. Then that person will have positive thinking. And that will make others positive too.

5. Social Media

In society, the craze for social media is increasing day by day. Because every person is connected to society by using social media. So, groups are created according to the interest on social media and discussed accordingly. In conclusion, People have also made social media a means of publicity.

Teenagers are getting addicted to social media. And youth mostly spend their time on social media. They form social media groups by their very nature.

6. Government

All over the world, government plays an important role related to socialization. If the government makes a policy keeping in mind the interest of the public the people will be well-socialized.

Government makes rules according to the development of the people. And the government makes the works of social welfare. If people cooperate with the government. Then the country develops well. Because the government runs with the cooperation of the public. So, people need good government.

7. Sports

In society, sports increase the feeling of mutual interaction in our life. So, children following the rule and regulations in sports increase the spirit of discipline. And by playing at the international level, one gets to know about the culture and civilization of other countries, which increases the socialization process.

By playing you get all three things, a healthy body, mind, and wealth. So, the government is giving importance to sports.  Player plays for the honor of his country. And glorifies the name of our country. So, the government also give him prize and money.

8. Workplace

The person works in the workplace to his ability and capacity. In brief, the workplace affects a person’s behavior. So, the workplace also makes a person socialize.

Other Agents of Socialization

 Neighborhood

  Family has closest neighbors. Neighbors also play an important role in socializing a person.  Because neighbors keep coming to the house. And those neighbors support you even in happiness and sorrow.

A person attends a neighbor’s function. And celebrates in the festivals of the neighbors. This process enhances socialization. So,

 Relative

In our culture, relatives are considered as the form of God. We learn and teach a lot from our relatives.

When relatives start living in another state. Then we go to meet them. And know the culture and traditions of their state. This is also a form of socialization. Having a relationship with a relative is also socialization. So, you should respect your relatives.

 Friends

A true friend makes you socialize. Because you have a positive attachment with a true friend. And you start following his role and regulation.

There is no blood relation with friends. But they are still very important. Because friend supports us in happiness and sorrow. So, friends are also a part of socialization.

 Teacher’s Character

Children follow the teacher’s behavior and work. Because they believe that teachers are always right.

If a teacher is true and honest. Then the children will also become like teachers. Because he gives more priority to his role model. So, children follow the lifestyle of the teacher.

 Customs and traditions

It is very important to follow the customs and traditions in society. And the effect of these customs on a person can be positive as well as negative.

Customs that have been going on since time immemorial. We still believe them. And we adopt those customs in our lives.

 Loving person

You have a close relationship with a loved one. And you never want to do bad with him. A lovely person makes you virtuous and social.

 Political groups

Every political party has its ideology. And their ideologies affect human beings.

The political group also prioritizes individual differences.

Different Schools of Psychology