socialization

American  

[soh-shuh-luh-zay-shuhn] / ˌsoʊ ʃə ləˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

• socializations
  plural

1. a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to their social position.

2. the act or process of aligning with the precepts of socialism.

   the socialization of industry.

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socialization British  

/ ˌsəʊʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən /

noun

1. psychol the modification from infancy of an individual's behaviour to conform with the demands of social life

2. the act of socializing or the state of being socialized

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socialization Cultural  

1. Learning the customs, attitudes, and values of a social group, community, or culture. Socialization is essential for the development of individuals who can participate and function within their societies, as well as for ensuring that a society's cultural features will be carried on through new generations. Socialization is most strongly enforced by family, school, and peer groups and continues throughout an individual's lifetime. (See also acculturation.)

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• socializations
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of socialization

First recorded in 1885–90; socialize + -ation

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Explanation

The act of adapting behavior to the norms of a culture or society is called socialization. Socialization can also mean going out and meeting people or hanging out with friends. The word socialization can mean "the process of making social." The socialization of a dog or a cat with humans and with other dogs or cats can establish positive behaviors for pets. It's not a bad idea for people, either. If you constantly chat with your co-workers, your manager might inform you that you are there to work, not for socialization. Maybe he's just jealous because no one talks to him.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

socialization socializations

Or you can limit your socialization to the time-honored tradition of watching someone’s space while they run to the bathroom.

From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2026

Female socialization adds another layer, teaching us that putting basic human needs last means you’re doing a good job.

From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026

Noah Neiman, co-founder of the Rumble boxing chain, recently opened in the neighborhood the Pack, a self-defense and group-fitness studio that he believes will tap in to Americans’ heightened health consciousness and socialization post pandemic.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026

Most of these children were born during the pandemic and spent much of their infancy quarantined indoors, their earliest socialization filtered through the blue light of tablets and television, Aguet said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 27, 2026

Small periods of socialization are granted to alleviate the tedium.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Past one decade the world is moving dramatically and things are changing very fast.The traditional socializations are constantly at friction with the everyday changing current socialisations.

From BBC ● Jan. 5, 2010

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Related Words

• acculturation

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