socialization

[ soh-shuh-luh-zey-shuhn ]

/ ˌsoʊ ʃə ləˈzeɪ ʃən /

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noun

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

the act or process of aligning with the precepts of socialism: the socialization of industry.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of socialization

First recorded in 1885–90; socialize + -ation

Words nearby socialization

Socialist Labor party, Socialist party, socialist realism, socialite, sociality, socialization, socialize, socialized medicine, social justice, social justice warrior, socially

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use socialization in a sentence

It’s more about the socialization, the engagement, the fulfillment of some need some other way.
Video games deserve better than blanket, parachute coverage from reporters who don’t get it|Gene Park|January 27, 2021|Washington Post
During lockdown, many of us learned to live with less—less excitement, less socialization, less trips out into the world—for the sake of the common good.
Four science conversations worth having this holiday|Purbita Saha|November 27, 2020|Popular-Science
Our long-winded walking-and-talking sessions also address the socialization challenge the pandemic continues to present, according to Inman.
A Parent's Guide to Hiking with a Chatterbox|Ryan Van Bibber|November 7, 2020|Outside Online
The investigation’s conclusions have led researchers to suggest that prescribing socialization could help older adults foster brain health.
Everyone should have a social life, especially older adults|Kat Eschner|October 20, 2020|Popular-Science

At this point, it’s not certain whether socialization helps promote brain health or the other way around.
Everyone should have a social life, especially older adults|Kat Eschner|October 20, 2020|Popular-Science
All of the tigers were much happier once they arrived here and began to realize the freedom and socialization they can have.
Should Tony the Truck Stop Tiger Go Free?|Melissa Leon|June 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nobody was interested in giving him access to education or socialization, or teaching him technical skills.
Death Penalty Survives In California, But Three-Strikes Law Cut Back|David R. Dow|November 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
His 1973 doctorate dissertation on sex education was titled “Sexual Socialization and Premarital Sexual Behavior.”
Graham Spanier: Penn State’s Next Indictment?|Diane Dimond|August 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Socialization will be a challenge, but consider the academic road ahead.
Polygamy Cult 's Civil War|Carol McKinley|August 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST
This simple switch would single-handedly defang conservative fear-mongering about the national socialization of health care.
Obama's New 'Best Friends'|John Avlon|August 2, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Of socialization in the strict sense there is, for this purpose, no need.
The New Society|Walther Rathenau
Assimilation and socialization have both been described in these terms by contemporary sociologists.
Introduction to the Science of Sociology|Robert E. Park
What is the type of teachers in Negro institutions, for the progressive socialization of the individuals whom they instruct?
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920|Various
This showed that they felt it the vital factor in the progressive socialization of the individuals.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 5, 1920|Various
Only when these fail in efficiency or result in injustice and inequality of opportunities does socialization present itself.
Socialism|John Spargo

British Dictionary definitions for socialization

socialization

socialisation

/ (ˌsəʊʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən) /

noun

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

the act of socializing or the state of being socialized

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Cultural definitions for socialization

socialization

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.)