socialization: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical (Sociology/Psychology), Neutral
Quick answer
What does “socialization” mean?
The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.
1. The process of learning to live and interact effectively with others in a social group. 2. The process of organizing something according to the principles of socialism, i.e., bringing under state control or collective ownership. 3. The process of making something social, such as socializing costs or experiences. 4. (Animal behavior) The process of training an animal to be comfortable around humans or other animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK often uses 'socialisation', US uses 'socialization'. The political/economic sense is slightly more historically present in UK discourse but is now rare in both.
Connotations
Identical in core meaning. In academic contexts (sociology), the term is used identically.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English corpora, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “socialization” in a Sentence
[socialization] of [group: children, immigrants][adjective: effective, poor] [socialization]during/through [socialization]the role of [family/school/peers] in [socialization]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “socialization” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Parents aim to socialise their children to be polite members of the community.
- The new policy seeks to socialise certain aspects of healthcare.
American English
- Parents aim to socialize their children to be polite members of the community.
- It's crucial to socialize your puppy with other dogs early on.
adverb
British English
- The children played socialisingly in the park. (Rare/awkward)
American English
- The puppies interacted socially after their training. (Using 'socially' is more natural)
adjective
British English
- The socialising influence of peer groups is powerful.
- They discussed the socialised medicine model.
American English
- The socializing influence of peer groups is powerful.
- He benefited from a highly socialized upbringing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in HR/management: 'Employee socialization programs help integrate new hires into the company culture.'
Academic
Very common in Sociology, Psychology, Education: 'Primary socialization occurs within the family unit.'
Everyday
Common when discussing child-rearing, pet training, or adapting to new groups: 'Puppy socialization classes are important.'
Technical
Core term in sociology/anthropology. Also in animal behavior science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “socialization”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “socialization”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “socialization”
- Misspelling: 'socialisation' (UK) vs. 'socialization' (US).
- Confusing with 'socialising' (going to parties).
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'making friends'.
- Pronouncing it with a hard /k/ sound: */ˌsɒkɪəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Socialization' is the formal, often academic term for the lifelong process of learning societal norms. 'Socialising' (UK) or 'socializing' (US) commonly refers to the informal act of mixing socially with others, like at a party.
Primary socialization occurs in early childhood, primarily through family, and teaches basic values and norms. Secondary socialization happens later in life through institutions like schools, peer groups, media, and workplaces, where we learn specific roles and behaviors.
Yes. In animal behavior, it specifically refers to the process of training or acclimating an animal (especially a young one) to be comfortable and behave appropriately around humans, other animals, or new environments.
Primarily, yes. The American English standard is 'socialization'. British English often uses 'socialisation', but the 'z' spelling is also widely accepted and understood in the UK, especially in academic texts.
The process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.
Socialization is usually formal, academic, technical (sociology/psychology), neutral in register.
Socialization: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsəʊʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsoʊʃələˈzeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not idiom-rich; the word itself is technical. However:] 'A product of one's socialization', 'to be socialized into' (a behaviour/role).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SOCIety + reaLIZATION = SOCIALIZATION. It's the process of realizing how to function in society.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A MOLD (shapes the individual). THE INDIVIDUAL IS A BLANK SLATE (written on by social forces).
Practice
Quiz
In sociological terms, 'primary socialization' most commonly refers to: