soh-shul-ih-ZAY-shun
/ˌsoʊ.ʃəl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/
nounB2IELTSTOEFLUPSC
academicsociological
The lifelong developmental process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and behaviors of their culture.
Covers both intentional teaching by adults and implicit absorption of societal norms by children.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'socius' (companion). The word gained its modern sociological meaning in the late 19th century through French sociologist Émile Durkheim's theories on how society shapes individual mindsets.
Word relationships
- enculturation: Enculturation focuses specifically on learning a particular culture's traits, whereas socialization includes general social skill development.
- isolation: Isolation involves separation from social structures, preventing normative learning.
Commonly confused with
- socializing: Socializing is spending recreational time with others, while socialization is the acquisition of cultural rules.
Word family
- socialize (verb): To teach or train to fit into society.
- social (adjective): Relating to society or companionship.
Collocations
- primary socialization
- secondary socialization
- gender socialization
- socialization agent
Example sentences
- "Primary socialization occurs within the family, where young children absorb basic moral standards and cultural codes." Sociological analysis
Memory hook
SOCIAL-ization turns a biological baby into a SOCIALLY functional citizen. How society writes its rules onto human minds.
When not to use
Do not confuse socialization (learning societal norms) with socializing (hanging out casually with friends).
Fun facts
- Feral children who grow up without human socialization often struggle permanently to acquire complex language or social norms.
socialization
The lifelong developmental process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, norms, and behaviors of their culture.
Covers both intentional teaching by adults and implicit absorption of societal norms by children.
Word relationships
Commonly confused with
Word family
Collocations
Example sentences
Memory hook
SOCIAL-ization turns a biological baby into a SOCIALLY functional citizen. How society writes its rules onto human minds.
When not to use
Do not confuse socialization (learning societal norms) with socializing (hanging out casually with friends).
Fun facts
Related words
internalization, attachment, nurture
Explore more words
socialize, internalize, upbringing, assimilation, educate, nurture
Also appears in