Final answer:
Socialization is the lifelong process where individuals learn and internalize societal norms and values. Primary socialization occurs with close family and community, teaching basic societal behaviors, while secondary socialization happens later in life, through institutions like schools and peer groups, teaching societal norms on a broader scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary and Secondary Socialization
Socialization is the process through which individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of a society and learn to function as members of that society. This process begins in childhood and continues throughout life. There are two main types of socialization: primary socialization and secondary socialization.
Primary Socialization
Primary socialization is the first stage where individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms from their immediate family and close community—traditionally, their primary groups. This typically includes basic manners, language, and behaviors appropriate within their society. The family is usually considered the main agent of primary socialization. However, in today's society, even if families and close friends are not physically proximate, they still play a vital role in primary socialization through various communication technologies.
Secondary Socialization
Secondary socialization occurs later in life and involves learning appropriate behaviors within a larger society. This happens through broader social institutions like schools, peer groups, workplaces, and media. Here, individuals learn the wider societal norms, including professional conduct, societal laws, and cultural norms, which may not be taught in the familial setting. Formal institutions like schools play a critical role in teaching us how to navigate complex systems, while peer groups provide a platform for social learning outside of family influences, particularly for adolescents seeking independence and identity formation.
Conclusion
These processes are fundamental for individual development and the perpetuation of social norms. While primary socialization lays the foundational aspects of our personality and social behavior, secondary socialization enhances and expands our social capabilities within wider societal boundaries. Both types of socialization contribute significantly to our lifelong journey in becoming fully functional members of society.