The Process of Socialisation

Socialisation is an essential sociological concept and refers to the lifelong process in which people learn the norms, values, behaviours and skills appropriate to their society.
Through socialisation, individuals become aware of social expectations, learn to adjust their behaviour accordingly and become competent members of society.

Agents of socialisation are individuals, groups, or institutions that impinge on the socialisation process.
The family is the primary agent of socialisation. Here, individuals first learn societal expectations, norms, and roles.
The education system serves as an imperative agent of secondary socialisation and instils cultural norms and values, knowledge, skills and citizenship.
Peer groups figure prominently in socialisation, particularly during adolescence, where individuals may adopt group norms and behaviours.
Religious institutions shape individuals’ moral and ethical norms and values.
Workplaces provide socialisation into the roles and responsibilities associated with specific employment.
The media also contributes considerably to the socialisation process by perpetuating societal norms, ideologies and expectations.

There are two key stages of socialisation: primary socialisation and secondary socialisation.
Primary socialisation happens in early life, predominantly within the family, where individuals first acquire basic norms, values and behaviours.
Secondary socialisation occurs later in life through non-family institutions like school, workplaces, and the media. It further shapes individuals’ understanding of society and their place in it.

Socialisation is crucial to the transmission of culture across generations.
It ensures the continuity of cultural norms, values, traditions, and knowledge, and contributes to societal stability.
Socialisation helps individuals understand their own cultural identity, including their roles, behaviours, values, and belief systems integral to their culture.

Socialisation plays a key role in forming an individual’s identity.
It aids in the development of self-concept, an understanding of oneself in relation to others and society.
Through socialisation, individuals internalise societal expectations and norms, which become part of their identity and behaviour.

Socialisation reinforces social order by promoting conformity to societal norms and values.
It aids individuals in understanding their roles and responsibilities in society, contributing to societal stability.
Deviation from social norms, or deviance, is viewed as a disruption to social order and is often penalised.