What is socialization? There are two definitions that are representative of individuals, society, and interactive behaviors. The first is the activity of mixing socially with others. The second is the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society. These definitions are kind of the same thing. So, let’s look at some different ways in which socialization occurs. It can occur at home, in school, at the workplace, within religion, gender roles, and culture. Let’s be clear, this is to name a few. These are the most common and are the major ones that most individuals experience at some point or throughout their lifetime.
HOME
The home is the very beginning of the socialization process. Much of the learning process is done by example. Observing is the only option that infants have until they begin to talk. One of the first major steps to learning how to socialize with others is communicating. Children learn how to speak their language from those around them. They also learn key social virtues, structure, and values. During the early years of life, children develop personality and character that is governed by the norms of the home. Usually, by the time they get to be school aged, they have responsibilities like chores that are expected of them.
SCHOOL
Children are socialized in many different ways while attending school. They are socialized through social groups like band or theatre. They are taught social skills like time limits, cooperation and communication. Children are also taught in terms of time: past, present, and future. The past refers to the children learning culture, tradition, or heritage. The present is regarding learning how to succeed in their current environments. The children learning for the future means preparing for anticipated expectations, like preparing for college, how to obtain certain occupations, how to get next week’s report done on time, etc.
WORKPLACE
In the workplace, socialization is the process of new employees understanding company policies, internal hierarchy, company culture, rules and expectations. Informing new employees of programs, policies, and perks of the company and position. It is typically known as new hire orientation. In essence; the employees learn how to behave and what is expected of them at work. Employees being social also has other benefits like teamwork, loyalty, relationship building, it improves productivity, communication and collaboration, and builds trust and respect. For employers, allowing workers to socialize builds camaraderie, ultimately increasing employee retention. Side effects include; increased happiness, improved engagement, allowing healthier lives and lower stress. Learn more about how to increase socialization in the workplace here!
RELIGION
The interactive process by which social agents influence individuals’ religious beliefs and understandings is called religious socialization. Through interactions with social agents, expectations of religion, beliefs and behaviors are formed. The interactions help to inform members of commitments to religious organizations. Behaviors that are in line with the religion are accepted, rejoiced, and encouraged. Behaviors that deviate from the religion are shunned, rejected, and discouraged. Social expectations are used to guide behavior and teach what is expected of an individual as a member of that group.
GENDER
Gender socialization is the process by which individuals are taught how to socially behave in accordance with their assigned gender, which is assigned at birth based on their sex phenotype. Stereotypes can be the result of gender socialization. Girls and boys are expected to behave in certain ways that are socialized from before birth. The process is typically started while pregnant, once the parents know what the biological sex of the baby is; rooms are decorated and clothes are purchased in color coded fashion. Those who do not conform to these expected behaviors of gender are often ostracized by their peers. Today, it is largely believed that most gender expression differences are attributed to differences in socialization, rather than genetic and biological factors.
CULTURE
Culture is defined as the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group; and the attitudes and behavior characteristic of a particular social group. If a child is adopted by a family from a different culture, it can be extremely difficult for that child to adjust. In order to ease some of the challenges that may come from adopting a child, the adopting family needs to consider that the child will have other needs than the typical housing, clothing, education, and such. That child will need a bridge from where they came from to where they are now. If a child comes from a different religion than the adopting family, there are going to be clashes on beliefs. If the child feels that the adopting family is not accepting of the child’s culture, the child will feel disconnected and ostracized from their new family and their old life. This process is also known as enculturation.
From day one we are all socialized. We are taught what is expected of us by the people around us. We conduct ourselves in a manner that others accept. It is important to understand where this drive comes from. We all want to know what to expect from another person; are they like-minded; are they a threat; what are they capable of; what do they believe in; will they judge me? These are all questions that are appeased by socialization and society having a basic understanding of others around us. We change our behavior based on others’ responses to our actions and behaviors. It is this socialization that also drives us to be around those who are more like us. We feel like we know and understand each other better. We find a sense of belonging.
Think about what expectations you have of others. What expectations do they have of you? In what ways can you see that you have been socialized?
If there are any topics that you would like me to cover, please let me know. You can contact me through the blog or you can email me. If this information is helpful or you know someone who would be interested, please share. Thank you!
HOME
The home is the very beginning of the socialization process. Much of the learning process is done by example. Observing is the only option that infants have until they begin to talk. One of the first major steps to learning how to socialize with others is communicating. Children learn how to speak their language from those around them. They also learn key social virtues, structure, and values. During the early years of life, children develop personality and character that is governed by the norms of the home. Usually, by the time they get to be school aged, they have responsibilities like chores that are expected of them.
SCHOOL
Children are socialized in many different ways while attending school. They are socialized through social groups like band or theatre. They are taught social skills like time limits, cooperation and communication. Children are also taught in terms of time: past, present, and future. The past refers to the children learning culture, tradition, or heritage. The present is regarding learning how to succeed in their current environments. The children learning for the future means preparing for anticipated expectations, like preparing for college, how to obtain certain occupations, how to get next week’s report done on time, etc.
WORKPLACE
In the workplace, socialization is the process of new employees understanding company policies, internal hierarchy, company culture, rules and expectations. Informing new employees of programs, policies, and perks of the company and position. It is typically known as new hire orientation. In essence; the employees learn how to behave and what is expected of them at work. Employees being social also has other benefits like teamwork, loyalty, relationship building, it improves productivity, communication and collaboration, and builds trust and respect. For employers, allowing workers to socialize builds camaraderie, ultimately increasing employee retention. Side effects include; increased happiness, improved engagement, allowing healthier lives and lower stress. Learn more about how to increase socialization in the workplace here!
RELIGION
The interactive process by which social agents influence individuals’ religious beliefs and understandings is called religious socialization. Through interactions with social agents, expectations of religion, beliefs and behaviors are formed. The interactions help to inform members of commitments to religious organizations. Behaviors that are in line with the religion are accepted, rejoiced, and encouraged. Behaviors that deviate from the religion are shunned, rejected, and discouraged. Social expectations are used to guide behavior and teach what is expected of an individual as a member of that group.
GENDER
Gender socialization is the process by which individuals are taught how to socially behave in accordance with their assigned gender, which is assigned at birth based on their sex phenotype. Stereotypes can be the result of gender socialization. Girls and boys are expected to behave in certain ways that are socialized from before birth. The process is typically started while pregnant, once the parents know what the biological sex of the baby is; rooms are decorated and clothes are purchased in color coded fashion. Those who do not conform to these expected behaviors of gender are often ostracized by their peers. Today, it is largely believed that most gender expression differences are attributed to differences in socialization, rather than genetic and biological factors.
CULTURE
Culture is defined as the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively; the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group; and the attitudes and behavior characteristic of a particular social group. If a child is adopted by a family from a different culture, it can be extremely difficult for that child to adjust. In order to ease some of the challenges that may come from adopting a child, the adopting family needs to consider that the child will have other needs than the typical housing, clothing, education, and such. That child will need a bridge from where they came from to where they are now. If a child comes from a different religion than the adopting family, there are going to be clashes on beliefs. If the child feels that the adopting family is not accepting of the child’s culture, the child will feel disconnected and ostracized from their new family and their old life. This process is also known as enculturation.
From day one we are all socialized. We are taught what is expected of us by the people around us. We conduct ourselves in a manner that others accept. It is important to understand where this drive comes from. We all want to know what to expect from another person; are they like-minded; are they a threat; what are they capable of; what do they believe in; will they judge me? These are all questions that are appeased by socialization and society having a basic understanding of others around us. We change our behavior based on others’ responses to our actions and behaviors. It is this socialization that also drives us to be around those who are more like us. We feel like we know and understand each other better. We find a sense of belonging.
Think about what expectations you have of others. What expectations do they have of you? In what ways can you see that you have been socialized?
If there are any topics that you would like me to cover, please let me know. You can contact me through the blog or you can email me. If this information is helpful or you know someone who would be interested, please share. Thank you!
Comments
Post a Comment