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 socialization is often associated with childhood and adolescence, it continues to shape individuals throughout their adult lives. In adulthood, there are three main types of socialization that individuals typically experience: anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization.

Anticipatory Socialization

Anticipatory socialization is the process through which individuals learn and adopt the behaviors, values, and beliefs associated with a social role or status that they aspire to have in the future. It involves preparing for and acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge for a particular role before actually assuming it. For example, a student who is preparing to enter the workforce may engage in anticipatory socialization by attending career fairs, internships, or professional development programs. Anticipatory socialization helps individuals adjust to new roles and responsibilities and facilitates a smoother transition into future 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 typically happens when individuals enter new environments or undergo significant life changes that require them to adapt to different social norms and expectations. Examples of resocialization include transitioning from being a student to a working professional, joining the military, or entering a religious order. During resocialization, individuals may need to unlearn previously acquired behaviors and develop new ones that align with their new social context.

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 experience a significant shift in their social environment. Desocialization is often necessary to adapt to new social contexts and avoid conflicting norms and expectations. An example of desocialization is when individuals retire from the workforce and need to adjust to a new lifestyle and different social roles. Desocialization allows individuals to detach from their previous social identities and acquire new ones that are more suitable for their current circumstances.

In conclusion, socialization in adulthood encompasses anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization. These processes enable individuals to adapt to new roles, environments, and life changes. Anticipatory socialization helps individuals prepare for future roles, resocialization facilitates adjustment to new social contexts, and desocialization allows individuals to detach from previous social identities. Understanding these three types of socialization can provide insight into how individuals continue to develop and adapt throughout their adult lives.

Sources:

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

FAQs

What is anticipatory socialization?

Anticipatory socialization refers to the process of learning and adopting behaviors, values, and beliefs associated with a social role or status that a person aspires to have in the future. It involves preparing for and acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge before actually assuming that role.

When does anticipatory socialization occur?

Anticipatory socialization typically occurs when individuals are preparing for significant life transitions, such as entering the workforce, starting a family, or pursuing higher education. It helps individuals adjust to new roles and responsibilities and facilitates a smoother transition into future social roles.

What is resocialization?

Resocialization is the process through which individuals learn new behaviors, values, and beliefs that are different from their previous socialization experiences. It occurs when individuals enter new environments or undergo significant life changes that require them to adapt to different social norms and expectations.

What are common examples of resocialization?

Common examples of resocialization include transitioning from being a student to a working professional, joining the military, entering a religious order, or moving to a new country with a different culture. During resocialization, individuals may need to unlearn previously acquired behaviors and develop new ones that align with their new social context.

What is 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 experience a significant shift in their social environment. Desocialization is often necessary to adapt to new social contexts and avoid conflicting norms and expectations.

When does desocialization occur?

Desocialization can occur during various life transitions, such as retirement, moving to a different country or community, or leaving a religious or cultural group. It allows individuals to detach from their previous social identities and acquire new ones that are more suitable for their current circumstances.

How do anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization contribute to adult development?

Anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization are all integral parts of adult development. They enable individuals to adapt to new roles, environments, and life changes, fostering personal growth and adjustment. These processes help individuals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for future roles, navigate transitions, and redefine their social identities.

Are the three types of socialization experienced sequentially?

The three types of socialization—anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization—can be experienced sequentially in some cases, such as when individuals transition from one life stage to another. However, they can also occur simultaneously or in different orders depending on the specific circumstances and individual experiences.