The Three Types of Socialization Adults Typically Experience

Socialization is a lifelong process that individuals undergo to learn and internalize the behaviors, values, and beliefs of their society. While the process of socialization is commonly associated with childhood and adolescence, it continues to play a significant role in adulthood. Adults experience various types of socialization, including anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization. Understanding these three types of socialization can provide insights into how adults adapt and navigate different social contexts.

Anticipatory Socialization

Anticipatory socialization refers to the process through which individuals learn and adopt behaviors, values, and beliefs associated with a social role or status that they aspire to have in the future. It involves preparing and acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge for a particular role or position. Anticipatory socialization often occurs when individuals are in the process of transitioning into a new role, such as entering the workforce or pursuing higher education.

During anticipatory socialization, individuals may engage in self-directed learning, seek guidance from mentors or role models, or participate in training programs to develop the desired competencies. For example, a student who aspires to become a doctor may engage in anticipatory socialization by shadowing medical professionals, volunteering in healthcare settings, or studying relevant academic subjects. This process allows individuals to familiarize themselves with the expectations, responsibilities, and cultural norms associated with their desired social roles.

Resocialization

Resocialization occurs when individuals undergo a process of learning new behaviors, values, and beliefs that are different from their previous socialization experiences. This often happens when individuals enter new environments, such as joining the military, entering a religious order, or starting a new job in a different industry. Resocialization can also occur during significant life transitions, such as divorce, retirement, or migration to a new country.

During resocialization, individuals are exposed to new social norms, expectations, and cultural practices. They may need to unlearn and reevaluate their previous beliefs and behaviors to adapt to the new social context. This process can be challenging and may involve intense socialization efforts, such as formal training programs, counseling, or immersive experiences. The goal of resocialization is to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to function effectively within the new social environment.

Desocialization

Desocialization refers to the process of unlearning or abandoning previously learned behaviors, values, and beliefs. It occurs when individuals leave a particular social group or undergo significant changes in their lives that require them to detach from their previous socialization experiences. Desocialization is often associated with leaving institutions such as prisons, religious sects, or cults, where individuals have been subject to intense socialization efforts.

During desocialization, individuals may need to relinquish or modify their previous identities, habits, and ways of thinking. This process can involve breaking away from established social norms, disconnecting from social networks, and challenging deeply ingrained beliefs. Desocialization is often a necessary step for individuals to reintegrate into society or to adapt to new social environments. It allows individuals to redefine their identities and align their behaviors with their current circumstances.

In summary, adults experience various types of socialization throughout their lives. Anticipatory socialization prepares individuals for future roles and positions, resocialization enables individuals to adapt to new social contexts, and desocialization involves unlearning and abandoning previously learned behaviors and beliefs. These three types of socialization reflect the dynamic nature of human social development and highlight the ongoing process of adapting to changing social environments.

Sources:

• “What Is Socialization All About?” ThoughtCo. (https://www.thoughtco.com/socialization-in-sociology-4104466)
• “Socialization Across the Life Course.” Introduction to Sociology – Brown-Weinstock. Lumen Learning. (https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-fmcc-intro-to-sociology/chapter/socialization-across-the-life-course/)
• Brainly. (https://brainly.com/question/41583951)

FAQs

What are the three types of socialization that adults typically experience?

The three types of socialization that adults typically experience are anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization.

What is anticipatory socialization?

Anticipatory socialization refers to the process of learning and adopting behaviors, values, and beliefs of a social role or status that a person aspires to have in the future.

When does resocialization occur?

Resocialization occurs when individuals undergo a process of learning new behaviors, values, and beliefs that are different from their previous socialization experiences. This often happens when individuals enter new environments or undergo significant life changes.

What is desocialization?

Desocialization refers to the process of unlearning or abandoning previously learned behaviors, values, and beliefs. This can occur when individuals leave a particular social group or when they undergo significant changes in their lives.

How does anticipatory socialization prepare individuals for future roles?

Anticipatory socialization allows individuals to familiarize themselves with the expectations, responsibilities, and cultural norms associated with their desired social roles. They engage in self-directed learning, seek guidance from mentors or role models, and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for their future roles.

What are some examples of resocialization?

Examples of resocialization include joining the military, entering a religious order, starting a new job in a different industry, or undergoing significant life transitions such as divorce, retirement, or migration to a new country.

Why is desocialization necessary?

Desocialization is necessary for individuals to detach from their previous socialization experiences, relinquish or modify their previous identities and habits, and adapt to new social environments. It allows individuals to redefine their identities and align their behaviors with their current circumstances.

How do the three types of socialization reflect human social development?

The three types of socialization reflect the dynamic nature of human social development. Anticipatory socialization prepares individuals for future roles, resocialization enables individuals to adapt to new social contexts, and desocialization involves unlearning and abandoning previously learned behaviors and beliefs. Together, these processes highlight the ongoing adaptation and adjustment individuals undergo throughout their lives.