Socialization in sociology refers to the process of internalizing the norms, values, beliefs, and ideologies of society. It is a process of learning and teaching that is essential for individuals to become proficient members of society. Socialization is a sociological process that occurs through socializing, which is different from socializing as a simple interaction with others. The process of socialization begins at birth and continues throughout life. Children learn the values, ideas, practices, and roles of society by copying the behavior they observe in others, but they are also active participants in the socialization process and are responsible for making choices about their own behavior. Socialization is critical both to individuals and to the societies in which they live. It is through teaching culture to new members that a society perpetuates itself. Socialization allows people to interact with others and form relationships necessary to acquire social capital and resources. Organizational socialization is the process by which people learn about, adjust to, and change the knowledge, skills, attitudes, expectations, and behaviors needed for a new or changing organizational role. Socialization is essential to the development and functioning of societies because it is through socialization that we learn the norms and customs that hold society together. Sociologists all recognize the importance of socialization for healthy individual and societal development.
