Socialization is ...

According to the well-known definition, socialization is the process of involving the individual in the society in which it exists, the adoption of norms and models of the behavior of this society. The concept of socialization is considered in many fields of knowledge, however, different disciplines are studying different aspects of this process. Psychologists are interested in the mechanisms that help individuals to adapt in society, i.e. To assimilate its norms. Sociologists study how and what roles the individual assimilates, as well as how his personality is formed in society. Depending on what is the subject of study, can identify and narrower meanings of the concept of "socialization". This is gender, political, religious socialization and others.

Periodization

Speaking of socialization, it is often divided into primary and secondary. Primary is the acceptance of existing in society values by the child. Secondary socialization is the adaptation of these norms by an adult.

It is customary to single out several stages of socialization :

1. Adaptation. During this period, beginning with birth and ending in adolescence, through imitation, the assimilation of social experience takes place without its critical evaluation. A growing child learns to adapt to the world around him.

2. Identification. At this stage, the individual tries to find his place in society, somehow identifying himself with a certain group.

3. Integration, that is, a full inclusion in public life, which in some cases may not be successful.

4. Labor stage. At this stage, the individual accumulates his own work experience and is included in the relevant system of relations, and also actively influences the environment in which he is located.

5. The post-labor stage, which some researchers consider a stage of maladaptation, others - a stage of maturity, when the acceptance of oneself takes place, the rethinking of one's life and the time comes to transfer experience to others.

The considered stages of socialization are usually distinguished by domestic authors who are the heirs of the "labor" approach. Erickson offers a more detailed periodization, describing both the children's age, and the subsequent stages of the formation and development of the individual in society. Other stages of socialization are also distinguished by Freud.

Groups

The process of socialization takes place in various institutions, that is, those groups in which the transfer of norms and values is carried out: first of all, the family, educational institutions of all levels, labor collectives. The so-called unorganized environment, that is, informal groups and media, whose influence can not be underestimated, belongs to the institutions of socialization .

Socialization and upbringing

It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of socialization and upbringing, as well as learning. If upbringing presupposes a narrowly directed influence, then socialization is a much broader concept, involving both the adoption of new roles and adaptation to the environment. However, like education, socialization is a bi-directional process. This means that not only society affects a person. He not only adapts, he himself influences already established norms, changes them and participates in the adaptation of others.

Unlike teaching, the process of assimilation of social norms and finding their place in society can not be accelerated. We can only identify factors that affect the process, such as socialization. This biological factor, the physical and social environment, as well as individual and group experience. It is precisely the various innate features of a person that determine the differences between individuals who grew up, it would seem, under the same conditions.

If we ignore scientific terms and classifications, we can say that the socialization that occurs throughout our life is necessary for the proper formation of a system of values, the education of respect for others and the recognition of oneself as an individual. It is necessary for normal educational and, later, labor activity, for the full implementation of its roles and functions and the subsequent transfer of its social and other experience to the next generation.