Mortimer and Simmons (1978) note a difference in socialization methodologies in different types of institutions. When the goal of an institution is socialization (primary or secondary), the institution tends to use normative pressures. When the goal of an institution is resocialization of deviants, coercion is frequently involved

Broad and Narrow Socialization

An interesting though seldom used distinction in types of socialization was proposed by Arnett (1995). Arnett distinguishes between broad and narrow socialization:

• Broad socialization is intended to promote independence, individualism, and self-expression; it is dubbed broad because this type of socialization has the potential of resulting in a broad range of outcomes.

• Narrow socialization is intended to promote obedience and conformity; it is dubbed narrow because there is a narrow range of outcomes.

These distinctions correspond to Arnett’s definition of socialization, which is:

• The whole process by which an individual born with behavioural potentialities of enormously wide range is led to develop actual behaviour which is confined with a much narrower range;

• The range of what is customary and acceptable for him according to the standards of his group.

• Arnett explains that his understanding of socialization should not be understood as having just two options, broad or narrow. Instead, the author argues that socialization can be broad or narrow within each of the seven socializing forces he outlines (e.g., family, friends, etc.). Because each force can be either broad or narrow, there is a wide variety of possible broad/narrow socialization combinations. Finally, Arnett notes two examples where his distinction is relevant. First, Arnett argues that there are often differences in socialization by gender. Where these differences exist, argues Arnett, socialization tends to be narrower for women than for men. Arnett also argues that Japanese socialization is narrow as there is more pressure toward conformity in that culture.

 The Importance of Socialization

One of the most common methods used to illustrate the importance of socialization is to draw upon the few unfortunate cases of children who were, through neglect, misfortune, or wilful abuse, not socialized by adults while they were growing up.