soh-shuhl-eye-ZAY-shuhn
/ˌsoʊ.ʃəl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
nounB2TOEFLIELTSGRE
academicsociological
The lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, behaviors, and norms of their culture.
Refers to developmental learning of social norms, distinct from merely hanging out with acquaintances.
The story behind the word. Coined in late 19th-century sociology from 'social' (Latin 'socialis', friendly or companionable). Sociologists used it to describe how society molds infants into functioning community members.
Word relationships
- enculturation: Enculturation specifically emphasizes adopting cultural values, whereas socialization covers broader behavioral development.
- isolation: Lack of contact or systemic integration with society.
Commonly confused with
- socialism: Socialism is an economic/political ideology, whereas socialization is a psychological developmental process.
Word family
- socialize (verb): To train to fit into society or to mix socially.
- socialized (adjective): Conditioned by social norms.
Collocations
- gender socialization
- socialization process
- early socialization
Example sentences
- "Early gender socialization in primary schools often influences the academic paths students choose later in life." Child development research
Memory hook
SOCIAL-ization = learning how to act SOCIALly in society. Learning society's rules.
When not to use
Do not confuse with casual 'socializing' (chatting at a party); socialization is sociological conditioning.
Fun facts
- The Latin root 'socius' also gave us words like 'society', 'associate', and 'consortium'.
socialization
The lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, behaviors, and norms of their culture.
Refers to developmental learning of social norms, distinct from merely hanging out with acquaintances.
Word relationships
Commonly confused with
Word family
Collocations
Example sentences
Memory hook
SOCIAL-ization = learning how to act SOCIALly in society. Learning society's rules.
When not to use
Do not confuse with casual 'socializing' (chatting at a party); socialization is sociological conditioning.
Fun facts
Related words
interaction, stereotype, bias
Explore more words
socialize, internalize, upbringing, assimilation, educate, nurture
Also appears in