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

Images from surveillance video showed a woman arrive at the store about 6 p.m. Saturday and ask to visit with the puppy in a socialization room. —Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2024

But undoing the monogamous script, the socialization, is really, really difficult. —Daniel Bergner, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Tomorrow’s goal is to reduce his isolation and increase his socialization. —Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2024

Prozac prescriptions for dogs are on the rise, veterinarians across the country acknowledge, along with a myriad of cheaper generic mood stabilizers sold for humans but applied to pets’ separation anxiety, socialization fears, biting habits, or other problematic behavior. —Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024

Cuddling helps prepare cats and kittens for their forever homes while promoting healthy bonding and socialization skills, according to ACANA. —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Plus, O'Connor says there is still much that researchers do not know about the impact of screens on mental health, socialization, and more. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 12 Mar. 2024

Skipping socialization and regular walks for your dogs is a common mistake. —Laurie Larsh, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024

Keith’s plan is to open a senior dog center on the property, with orthopedic beds, water treadmills and ramps to help older pups who spent their lives as test subjects regain strength and learn socialization skills before they are rehomed. —Sydney Page, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 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