Socialisation — Sociology, 14–17 years
How people learn the habits, meanings and expectations needed to take part in social life.
The idea
Socialisation is the lifelong process through which people learn how to live with others. Family, friends, school, media, work, and communities all teach language, habits, values, and ways of presenting ourselves.
Why it matters
A society could not continue if each person had to invent language and cooperation from the beginning. Socialisation passes knowledge between generations, while also giving people chances to question and change what they have learned.
A case followed
A student joins a basketball club. First, teammates show when to arrive and how to address the coach. Next, practice and feedback make these actions familiar. Later, the student teaches a newcomer, passing the club’s culture on.
A common trap
It is tempting to think socialisation ends in childhood, because early learning is so visible. In reality, people keep learning when they change school, start work, move country, form relationships, or enter unfamiliar groups.
Where it appears
Socialisation helps explain why people from the same workplace or online game develop shared jokes and routines. It is also useful when designing welcome programmes, training, mentoring, or support for people entering a new setting.
Keep exploring
Other languages
Loading MyLeoNes™…