socialization

American  

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

noun

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.

---

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

---

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.)

---

Etymology

Origin of socialization

First recorded in 1885–90; socialize + -ation

Example Sentences

More than a year into the pandemic, I thought that hanging out with other families outdoors was a covid-safe way to reintroduce socialization to my children.

From Washington Post

Indeed, quite often, using entertainment to escape and using socialization to escape became one and the same thing.

From Salon

Racial and cultural identity are complicated and are experienced by children through the influence of parents, family, community and socialization.

From Washington Post

I think she’s a year or two older than me, so there wasn’t a whole lot of socialization, but I remember loving working with her.

From Los Angeles Times

Freeman says a lack of stimulation and socialization can lead to depression and sometimes confusion.

From Seattle Times