We explain what socialization is and what its agents are. Also, the stages and importance of this process.
What is socialization?
The socialization or socialization It is the process by which individuals embrace, based on their relationship with other people, the sociocultural elements of the context in which they develop. This allows the individual to internalize the perspectives, patterns, beliefs, and cultural norms and values that govern a given society at a particular historical moment.
Through socialization, the individual is influenced by social agentswhich are those institutions, groups or organizations (such as school or family) in which people interact. It is a process that accompanies the person in all stages of their development, however, socialization is essential in infancy and childhood, because it contributes to the social, cognitive and psychological development of the child.
Socialization allows the individual to know the social forms that are considered “correct” and that determine the way to behave towards other human beings. Thus, the person incorporates notions, such as the difference between acceptable behaviors or values in a society (such as listening, respect and tolerance) and values that are considered unacceptable or negative (such as envy, pride and lying). .
It is important to clarify that this process can also occur during certain changes that a person may go through during their social life, for example, the cross-cultural change that means traveling from one country to another or moving to another continent. These changes imply a process of resocialization in the individual, in which they will try to adopt the norms or values of the society in which they seek to insert themselves.
See also: Social awareness
Socialization agents
Socialization agents or socializing agents are those elements that intervene in the socialization process of a person. These agents can be individuals or institutions (such as family, school, religious organizations, friends or a club) with which the person is linked and through which they develop their social activity. Socialization agents have great influence on the individual and their social behavior, because they transmit values and beliefs that shape personality.
The main agents of socialization are:
- Family. It is the first agent of socialization with which human beings interact. It is in this environment that the person absorbs values, beliefs and ways of life that shape their personality and influence their opinions, attitudes and behaviors. Many family ties can be maintained in humans throughout various stages of their lives.
- School. It is the socialization agent with which individuals relate at a very early age. In this context, the person begins to relate to his or her peers and teachers, which implies knowing rules, accepting new opinions and norms of coexistence. In addition, school contributes to the child's cognitive development and stimulates skills such as speech and communication.
- Friendship. It is the agent of socialization that can occur from childhood or adolescence and through various stages of a person's development. Friendships generate influence on individuals (which can be both negative and positive).
- Media. It is the agent of socialization that includes the platforms and media that individuals use to relate to each other. Socialization through these media is booming, and they are one of the main channels that adolescents and young people use to bond, especially among peers.
- Associations and organizations. It is the agent of socialization that includes organizations and groups that are formed around a common cause, such as religious organizations, clubs or self-help groups. In these environments, people who share an idea, belief or objective are linked.
- Membership groups. It is the agent of socialization that includes those groups that individuals form spontaneously, for a common interest, such as a soccer team, a music band, a choir or a literature workshop.
Types of socialization
There are two main types of socialization:
- Primary socialization. It is that which the individual receives during the first years of life, in his childhood and childhood, when relating to his closest environment which, in most cases, is the family. The family circle is essential for the infant both for his cognitive and psychological development, as well as for his social development.
- Secondary socialization. It is one that occurs after adolescence, when the individual inserts himself into new social contexts, receives stimuli and interacts with various socializing agents. Some agents that participate in this type of socialization are work environments, universities and clubs.
What is tertiary socialization?
Some authors call “tertiary socialization” social reintegration process which applies to a person who engaged in conduct called “socially dangerous” or criminal.
The objective of this socialization is socially readapt those who have transgressed the normand this is achieved with the intervention of professionals who function as socializing agents. It is common for this socialization to take place in specific institutions, such as reform schools or prisons, and the specialists who act as socializing agents are psychiatrists, social educators, doctors and psychologists.
Importance of socialization
The socialization process is fundamental for the development of the individual, both on a social, psychological and cognitive level. It is a process that occurs from early childhood, and throughout life, and has benefits such as the transmission of cultural values, the development of language and speech, brain development, emotional balance, among many others.
It is through socialization that the person knows and relates to other individualsand it is in this interaction that opinions, values and beliefs are exchanged that shape their personality. The influences that a person can receive in the social environments in which they interact can be both positive and negative.
Furthermore, socialization is important for the development of any societybecause it is through this process that the identity, customs, culture and values of a town or region are transmitted from generation to generation.
References
- “Socialization” in Cervantes Virtual Center.
- “Socialization” in Britannica.
- “Socialization” in Cambridge Dictionary.
- “Agents of socialization” in Science Direct.
