Explain the Process of Socialisation

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5. Explain the Process of Socialisation

Question: Process of Socialisation?

Introduction

Socialisation is the process through which individuals acquire the cultural values, social norms, beliefs, and roles necessary to participate effectively in society. It is a lifelong process that begins at birth and continues until death. Human beings are not born with social knowledge; they learn it through interaction with others. Socialisation transforms biological beings into social persons, enabling them to adapt to different environments and social structures.

 

Meaning of Socialisation

The term “socialisation” comes from the Latin word socius, meaning companion. Socialisation can be defined as the process of learning and internalising the ways of a social group or society. Through this process, individuals learn not only how to behave but also why such behaviour is expected. It creates a balance between individual identity and collective responsibility.

 

Importance of Socialisation

1.     Cultural Transmission – Socialisation passes culture from one generation to another.

2.     Personality Development – It shapes attitudes, emotions, and behaviour.

3.     Social Integration – It helps individuals adjust and cooperate with society.

4.     Role Learning – Through socialisation, people learn to perform roles as students, workers, parents, and citizens.

5.     Social Control – Internalisation of norms reduces deviant behaviour.

 

Stages of Socialisation

1. Primary Socialisation

·        Definition: The earliest stage of socialisation that occurs in childhood, mainly within the family.

·        Characteristics: Emotional attachment, language acquisition, basic habits, moral learning.

·        Role of Family: Parents and relatives act as role models. The child imitates, obeys, and internalises their guidance.

·        Example: Learning to speak, eat with manners, and respect elders.

2. Secondary Socialisation

·        Definition: Socialisation that occurs outside the family, usually in later childhood and adolescence.

·        Agents: Schools, peer groups, religious institutions, neighbourhoods.

·        Focus: Discipline, academic knowledge, teamwork, group identity, and exposure to different viewpoints.

·        Example: Following school rules, competing in games, or developing friendships.

3. Adult Socialisation

·        Definition: Learning new roles in adulthood, often due to changes in life circumstances.

·        Contexts: Marriage, employment, parenthood, social networks.

·        Features: Adaptability, acquiring professional skills, workplace ethics.

·        Example: A person learning corporate culture after joining a job.

4. Resocialisation

·        Definition: Process of unlearning old behaviours and adopting new norms, usually in special situations.

·        Contexts: Military training, rehabilitation centres, prisons, or migration to another country.

·        Example: An inmate adjusting to social life after release.

 

Agencies of Socialisation

1. Family

·        Primary and most influential agency.

·        Teaches language, gender roles, traditions, and values.

·        Provides emotional support and moral guidance.

2. Educational Institutions

·        Formal learning of knowledge, discipline, and civic responsibilities.

·        Teachers and classmates influence attitudes.

·        Introduces individuals to wider cultural diversity.

3. Peer Groups

·        Composed of friends and equals of similar age.

·        Provides independence from family authority.

·        Shapes fashion, hobbies, interests, and social identity.

4. Religion

·        Teaches moral values, rituals, spirituality, and community belonging.

·        Provides ethical framework and sense of purpose.

5. Media and Technology

·        Television, newspapers, cinema, internet, and social media transmit cultural messages.

·        Shapes opinions, aspirations, and even consumer behaviour.

·        Globalises socialisation by connecting cultures.

6. Workplace

·        Adult socialisation happens strongly at workplaces.

·        Teaches cooperation, competition, professionalism, and ethics.

7. State and Law

·        Laws regulate behaviour and ensure social order.

·        Civic education teaches duties and rights of citizenship.

 

Mechanisms of Socialisation

1. Imitation

Children copy parents, teachers, or celebrities. This is the first step in learning behaviour.

2. Suggestion

Ideas and instructions influence behaviour directly, such as advice from parents or teachers.

3. Identification

Adopting behaviours and values of admired persons or role models.

4. Instruction and Education

Formal teaching in schools and informal guidance in families.

5. Conditioning (Rewards and Punishments)

Desired behaviour is rewarded; undesired behaviour is punished. This reinforces conformity.

6. Interaction and Communication

Daily social interactions refine manners, attitudes, and cooperation.

 

Theories of Socialisation

1. Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory

·        Socialisation is linked to personality development (id, ego, superego).

·        Balancing instincts and social norms is essential for a healthy personality.

2. George Herbert Mead’s Role-Taking Theory

·        Self develops through social interaction.

·        Concept of “I” and “Me” shows personal identity and social expectations.

·        Role-taking (seeing from others’ perspectives) is vital.

3. Charles Horton Cooley’s Looking-Glass Self

·        Individuals form self-concept based on how they believe others perceive them.

4. Durkheim’s Functionalist View

·        Socialisation integrates individuals into society and maintains order.

 

Challenges in the Process of Socialisation

1.     Cultural Diversity – Multicultural societies create conflicting values.

2.     Technology Impact – Overexposure to media may cause misinformation.

3.     Family Disintegration – Broken families may weaken primary socialisation.

4.     Globalisation – While enriching, it may also erode traditional values.

5.     Deviant Behaviour – Failure in proper socialisation may lead to crime, substance abuse, or social alienation.

 

Socialisation in the Context of Social Work

For social work professionals, understanding socialisation is crucial because:

·        It helps identify behavioural problems arising from poor socialisation.

·        It guides interventions for children in dysfunctional families.

·        It aids in rehabilitation and resocialisation of vulnerable groups.

·        It strengthens community education and awareness programmes.

Conclusion

The process of socialisation is a continuous and dynamic journey that transforms a biological organism into a functioning member of society. It ensures cultural continuity, social order, and personal development. Beginning with primary learning in the family and extending through schools, peer groups, media, religion, and workplaces, socialisation enables individuals to balance personal desires with societal expectations. Mechanisms like imitation, instruction, conditioning, and interaction reinforce this learning, while theories by Freud, Mead, and Cooley provide deeper insights into personality development. Despite challenges posed by modernisation, technology, and cultural change, socialisation remains the backbone of social life. Without it, human beings would lack the structure and direction necessary to survive and thrive in society.