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
Cite this Entry
“Socialization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialization. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
