Socialisation is the lifelong process by which individuals acquire the norms, values, behaviors, and skills essential for becoming competent members of their society.

This concept, prominent since the mid-20th century, remains fundamental in psychology. As a theoretical framework, it has been the subject of extensive empirical investigation and debate. It serves as a framework for understanding what is considered typical versus atypical behavior within a social context.

Socialisation, as a fundamental and wide-ranging concept, has become part of public discourse and is often used to explain and manage practical aspects of life; it has significantly influenced fields such as education, parenting, and politics. The idea of socialisation has expanded to address a broad spectrum of psychological phenomena, including intergroup relations, gender roles, moral reasoning, civic engagement, self-regulation, emotional control, and identity formation.

In the final quarter of the 20th century, the concept of “socialisation” became less central in sociological discussions, which shifted focus from identifying structures and system functions to describing postmodern cultural shifts. However, the notion of socialisation has endured, particularly in discussions concerning family and schooling.

The family or school environment is frequently cited as a cause when individuals struggle to connect with others who do not adhere to societal expectations. Conversely, influenced by critiques of functionalist perspectives on socialisation, there is increasing acceptance of diverse family structures and gender roles, alongside greater tolerance for evolving expressions of social identity.

Social norms reflect the underlying values guiding socialisation. Sociologists, including Durkheim, have highlighted the interrelationship between norms, values, and social roles in the process of becoming socialised.

Types

Primary socialisation
Primary socialisation occurs early in life when a child learns the attitudes, values, and behaviors considered appropriate for members of their particular culture. For example, observing a parent express discriminatory views towards minority groups might lead the child to see this behavior as acceptable and adopt similar prejudices.

Secondary socialisation
Secondary socialisation involves learning the appropriate conduct for participating in smaller groups within the broader society. This typically happens during adolescence and adulthood and involves less fundamental change than primary socialisation. Examples include starting a new job, relocating to a different area, or integrating into a new community.

Developmental socialisation
Developmental socialisation is the process of learning how to behave or improving one’s social abilities within a specific social environment.

Early socialisation
Early socialisation focuses on the process where an individual mentally prepares or “rehearses” for future roles, careers, and social relationships in an anticipating manner.

Resocialisation
Resocialisation is the process of shedding established behavioral patterns and adopting new ones as part of a life transition. This takes place throughout an individual’s lifespan.

Resocialisation can be an intensive experience where a person undergoes a radical break from their past and must acquire and adapt to entirely different norms and values. An instance would be the experience of young individuals leaving home to join the military.

Social Network

A social network consists of relatively structured connections between an individual or group and others, encompassing methods and types of communication, patterns of affiliation and disaffiliation, and the intensity of interpersonal bonds.

These social groups introduce a degree of order into our lives. Within these groups, we each possess our unique social network. Social networks refer to the links that connect us with others. These links include family, friends, acquaintances, classmates, colleagues, neighbors, and others. Think of a spider web; the fine threads represent the social connections extending from you to everyone you know.

Agent of Socialisation

Socialisation agents are the individuals and groups that shape our self-perception, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors.

Family – The family unit is primarily responsible for, among other things, instilling attitudes towards religion and helping establish future aspirations.

Education – Educational institutions are the agents responsible for transmitting general social skills and specific societal values.

Peer group – Peers are individuals of similar age and/or who share other social characteristics (e.g., fellow students in university courses).

Mass-media

Other agents: religion, the workplace, the country/nation.