definitions

socialization

[ soh-shuh-luh-zey-shuh n ]
/ ˌsoʊ ʃə ləˈzeɪ ʃən /
|

noun

a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.
the act or process of making socialistic: the socialization of industry.

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Nearby words

socialist party, socialist realism, socialistic, socialite, sociality, socialization, socialize, socialized medicine, socially, socially excluded, socially included

Origin of socialization

First recorded in 1885–90; socialize + -ation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for socialization

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

Word Origin and History for socialization

socialization

n.

1841, in reference to personal associations; 1884 in reference to socialism; noun of action from socialize.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for socialization

socialization

[ sō′shə-lĭ-zā′shən ]

n.

The process of learning interpersonal and interactional skills that are in conformity with the values of one's society.
Related formsso′cial•ize′ (-shə-līz′) v.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Culture 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.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.