socialization

American  

[soh-shuh-luh-zey-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

Etymology

Origin of socialization

First recorded in 1885–90; socialize + -ation

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

And what was left, once memories of the crisis faded, were the harms of the choices we made to cope with a whole host of unknowns: the learning losses, socialization issues, and shuttered businesses.

From Slate ● Aug. 3, 2026

Her crush — and the increased socialization it brought to her life — taught her she was the magic ingredient to her own joy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026

"Religion may provide some way of making sense of the world, some sense of identity in relation to others, that can't easily be replaced by other forms of socialization," Oostrom said.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 20, 2025

But without limits, their addictive nature may keep teens indoors, replacing in-person socialization with virtual interactions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2025

Apparently, having Tiny Cooper as your best-and-only friend does not leave you well-prepared for the intricacies of male socialization.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan

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

Related Words

• acculturation