Socialization

We are born without a culture or knowledge of our surroundings. It is in the family which we are born in that gives us a unique and distinct identity. Socialization is the general process of acquiring culture. Our family, traditions lend us a social identity. When socializing we learn our language, customs and more. For instance, girls learn how to be daughters, sisters, friends, wives, and mothers. In addition, they learn about the occupational roles that their society has in store for them.

Socialization is important in the process of personality formation. Human personality is the result of our genes; however the socialization process can mold it in a particular direction that is desirable. By encouraging specific beliefs and attitudes as well as selectively providing experiences, socializing reaches its goal post. This makes all the difference between the common personality types in one society in comparison to another.

Successful socialization results in uniformity within a society. If all children receive the same socialization, it is likely that they will share the same beliefs and expectations. This has played an important role in stringing the fact that most national governments around the world try to standardize education and make it compulsory for all children. Deciding what things will be taught and how they are taught is a powerful political tool for controlling people. Those who internalize the norms of society are less likely to break the law or to want radical social changes. In all societies, however, there are individuals who do not conform to culturally defined standards of normalcy because they were abnormally socialized, which is to say that they have not internalized the norms of society.

Socialization is a learning process that begins shortly after birth. Early childhood is the period of the most intense and the most crucial socialization. It is then that we acquire the most important part of communication- our language and learn the fundamentals of our culture. It is also when much of our personality takes shape. However, we continue to be socialized throughout our lives. As we age, we enter new status and we need to learn and be in an appropriate place.

When you socialize with people, you gain abundant insight into the working of the world. You will be able to predict people’s mood, their nature after having socialized with them.

Socialized lets you adapt to a certain environment or crowd. It helps you to adjust and feel at ease.

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