Socialization generally refers to the process in which people learn the skills, knowledge, values, motives, and roles (i.e., culture) of the groups to which they belong or the communities in which they live. It should be pointed out from the beginning of this chapter that socialization includes two components (Long and Hadden 1985). The first component of socialization is the process, mentioned above, that leads to the adoption of culture. The second component is the outcome of the process, for example, "Was the socialization successful?" or "He has been socialized to believe God exists." Socialization is seen as society's principal mechanism for influencing the development of character and behavior. Most sociologists treat socialization "as a cornerstone both for the maintenance of society and for the well-being of the individual" (Long and Hadden 1985).

Elements of Socialization

As socialization is a fundamental sociological concept, there are a number of components to this concept that are important to understand. While not every sociologist will agree which elements are the most important, or even how to define some of the elements of socialization, the elements outlined below should help clarify what is meant by socialization.

Goals of Socialization

Arnett (1995), in presenting a new theoretical understanding of socialization (see below), outlined what he believes to be the three goals of socialization:

1. Impulse control and the development of a conscience;
2. Role preparation and performance, including occupational roles, gender roles, and roles in institutions such as marriage and parenthood;
3. The cultivation of sources of meaning, or what is important, valued, and to be lived for.

In short, socialization is the process that prepares humans to function in social life. It should be reiterated here that socialization is culturally relative – people in different cultures are socialized differently. This distinction does not and should not inherently force an evaluative judgment. Socialization, because it is the adoption of culture, is going to be different in every culture. Socialization, as both process and an outcome, is not better or worse in any particular culture.

Primary and Secondary Socialization

Socialization is a life process, but is generally divided into two parts. Primary socialization takes place early in life, as a child and adolescent. Secondary socialization refers to the socialization that takes place throughout one's life, both as a child and as one encounters new groups that require additional socialization. While there are scholars who argue that only one or the other of these occurs, most social scientists tend to combine the two, arguing that the basic or core identity of the individual develops during primary socialization, with more specific changes occurring later – secondary socialization – in response to the acquisition of new group memberships and roles and differently structured social situations. The need for later life socialization may stem from the increasing complexity of society with its corresponding increase in varied roles and responsibilities (Mortimer and Simmons 1978).