so⋅cial⋅i⋅za⋅tion
[soh-shuh-luh-zey-shuh
n]
| 1. | a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position. |
| 2. | the act or process of making socialistic: the socialization of industry. |
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
| Main Entry: | socialization |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | See enculturation |
socialization
Learning the customs, attitudes, and values of a social group, community, or culture. Socialization is essential for the development of individuals who can participate and function within their societies, as well as for ensuring that a society's cultural features will be carried on through new generations. Socialization is most strongly enforced by family, school, and peer groups and continues throughout an individual's lifetime. (See also acculturation.)
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Main Entry: so·cial·iza·tion
Variant: also British so·cial·isa·tion /"sOsh-(&-)l&-'zA-sh&n/
Function:noun
: the process by which a human being beginning at infancy acquires the habits, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of society through education and training for adult status
Cite This Source
socialization so·cial·i·za·tion (sō'shə-lĭ-zā'shən)
n.
The process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one's society.
so'cial·ize' (-shə-līz') v.
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
socialization
the process whereby an individual learns to adjust to a group (or society) and behave in a manner approved by the group (or society). According to most social scientists, socialization essentially represents the whole process of learning throughout the life course and is a central influence on the behaviour, beliefs, and actions of adults as well as of children.
Learn more about socialization with a free trial on Britannica.com.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2009, Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.

