The Three Types of Socialization Adults Typically Experience

Socialization is a lifelong process that individuals undergo to acquire the behaviors, values, and beliefs of a particular society or social group. While socialization is commonly associated with childhood and adolescence, it continues to shape individuals throughout their adult lives. In adulthood, there are three primary 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 behaviors, values, and beliefs associated with a social role or status they aspire to have in the future. This type of socialization occurs when individuals anticipate and prepare for a new role or position in their lives. For example, a college student who is studying to become a doctor engages in anticipatory socialization by learning medical knowledge, adopting professional behaviors, and internalizing the values of the medical profession. Anticipatory socialization helps individuals adjust to and succeed in their desired future roles.

Resocialization

Resocialization is the process in which individuals undergo a significant shift in their socialization experiences, learning new behaviors, values, and beliefs that are different from their previous socialization. Resocialization often occurs when individuals enter new environments or undergo major life changes. For instance, when a person joins the military, they undergo resocialization to adapt to the military’s strict hierarchy, discipline, and values. Similarly, individuals who transition from incarceration back into society undergo resocialization to reintegrate into civilian life. Resocialization is a transformative process that requires individuals to unlearn their previous socialization and adopt new norms and expectations.

Desocialization

Desocialization is the process of unlearning or abandoning previously acquired 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 when individuals transition from one life stage to another or when they leave a long-standing social role. For example, when individuals retire from the workforce, they go through desocialization as they let go of work-related behaviors and identities. Desocialization can be a challenging process as individuals detach from their previous socialization and adapt to new circumstances.

In conclusion, socialization continues to shape individuals’ lives in adulthood through anticipatory socialization, resocialization, and desocialization. Anticipatory socialization helps individuals prepare for future roles, resocialization facilitates adaptation to new environments, and desocialization involves letting go of previous behaviors and identities. These three types of socialization are ongoing processes that shape individuals’ experiences and interactions throughout their adult lives.

Sources

1. Brainly.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://brainly.com/question/41583951
2. ThoughtCo. (n.d.). What Is Socialization All About? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/socialization-in-sociology-4104466
3. Lumen Learning. (n.d.). Socialization Across the Life Course. 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 adjusting to desired future roles.

When does anticipatory socialization occur?

Anticipatory socialization occurs when individuals anticipate and prepare for new roles or positions in their lives. It is commonly experienced during transitional periods, such as when individuals are preparing for higher education, career changes, or life milestones.

What is resocialization?

Resocialization is the process in which individuals undergo a significant shift in their socialization experiences, learning new behaviors, values, and beliefs different from their previous socialization. It often happens when individuals enter new environments or undergo major life changes.

What are some examples of resocialization?

Examples of resocialization include joining the military, transitioning from incarceration back into society, changing religious affiliations, or adapting to a new cultural or organizational context. In these situations, individuals need to unlearn their previous socialization and adopt new norms and expectations.

What is desocialization?

Desocialization refers to the process of unlearning or abandoning previously acquired behaviors, values, and beliefs. It occurs when individuals leave a particular social group or experience a significant shift in their social environment.

When does desocialization typically occur?

Desocialization often occurs during life transitions, such as retirement, leaving a long-standing social role, or moving to a new country or community. It involves letting go of previous behaviors, identities, and social expectations.

How do these three types of socialization interact?

These three types of socialization are interconnected and can occur simultaneously or sequentially in an individual’s life. Anticipatory socialization can lead to resocialization when individuals enter new roles, and desocialization may accompany both anticipatory socialization and resocialization as individuals let go of previous behaviors and identities.

How does socialization impact adult development and adaptation?

Socialization plays a crucial role in shaping adults’ behavior, values, and beliefs, and it facilitates their adaptation to new roles, environments, and life changes. It helps individuals develop the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate different social contexts and meet the expectations of their desired or current social roles.