socialization

noun

so·​cial·​i·​za·​tion ˌsō-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

a

: the process beginning during childhood by which individuals acquire the values, habits, and attitudes of a society

But certainly dealing with shame and its boundaries is soon a constant factor in the socialization of the child, because standards and rules are everywhere …

—Robert Karen

The most important feature of culture is that it can be transmitted, and thus the young can acquire adaptive repertoires through the learning process or, in sociological terms, the socialization process.

—David Mechanic

b

: social interaction with others

She also made spelling an exercise in socialization, by putting together children who did not seem predisposed to like each other.

—Tracy Kidder

With its idiosyncratic rhythms, rules and relationships, the coffee bar, these new workers say, has replaced the local bar as a place of socialization.

—Kirk Johnson

c

: exposure of a young domestic animal (such as a kitten or puppy) to a variety of people, animals, and situations to minimize fear and aggression and promote friendliness

Some adult dogs, because of a lack of socialization combined with genetic tendencies, can never transfer certain individuals from the "unfamiliar" to the "familiar" category.

—Dog Watch

2

: the action or process of making something (such as an industry) socialistic : conversion to collective or governmental ownership and control

the socialization of medicine

In the case of Vietnam the exodus was also related to … the government's decision of March 1978 to close down privately run businesses. This was a move to accelerate the socialization of the economy …

—T. E. Vedney

Examples of socialization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their boredom can be due to a lack of environmental or mental stimulation, little socialization or separation from their owners and other pets. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Social and Environmental Factors: Dogs that lack proper socialization or stimulation in a new environment may experience stress, leading to health concerns like appetite changes, weight loss, or behavioral issues. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Specifically, bonus moms can provide benefits in the realm of children mastering developmental tasks, socialization, and self-actualization, Dr. Williams says. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 29 Oct. 2024

Promoting casual socialization and team building is critical to do so. —Ryan Anderson, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

socialization

noun

so·​cial·​iza·​tion

variants also British socialisation

ˌsōsh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

: the process by which a human being beginning at infancy acquires the habits, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of society through education and training for adult status