2.1.1 Socialization

Meaning

Socialization is a process of interacting among individuals and other social phenomena in a bid to socialize them. Socialization is such a process through which individuals learn social norms and values, code and conducts, culture, ideas, beliefs and traditions.

          Socialization is an interaction between individuals and the society. Such interaction takes place throughout the life from cradle to the death of an individual. Actually, socialization is a process through which society rears an individual in terms of its ideals, beliefs, culture and traditions. It is socialization that enables individuals to adjust with the society. To sum up, socialization means to learn to interact with the society and it is education that makes an individual to learn how to interact with the society. Thus, socialization means an interaction with the society which ultimately aims at making an individual social.

Definitions of Socialization

"Socialization is the development of we-feeling in associates and the growth in their capacity and will to act together."     - JS Ross

"Socialization denotes the e tire process, deliberately planned or not, by which an individual becomes an accepted member of his group."  - Gibson

"Socialization is the process by which a biological organism becomes a human being. In this process the individual acquires a definite personality as well as those parts of his culture to which he is exposed."         - Perry and Perry

Importance

          Socialization is a process that happens throughout the life span of an individual. Without socialization, a biological being never changes into a human being. It is socialization through which an individual learns necessary foundational things to be alive in the society. That is why socialization is a must for each and every individual.

          Socialization makes an individual alive for the sake of the society. It encourages individuals to behave for society, and makes social aspirations as an integral part of the human life. Through the process of socialization an individual accepts the society and ultimately he is accepted by the society. An individual learns knowledge and skills that are applicable for the society through socialization.  Socialization makes the people disciplined and conscious toward their right and duty, and helps differently for social integration. Though it does not mean that socialization only does help individuals to be adjusted in the society, it also helps the society to be reconstructed and the change of time. Thus, socialization is important for individual, society, nation and world.

Elements of Socialization

i.                   Means of Communication- Language

ii.                 Love and Affection

iii.              Social Interaction