Definition of Anticipatory Socialization
So, what is anticipatory socialization? Anticipatory socialization is defined as accepting and incorporating the norms and values of a group that we anticipate joining in the future. Anticipatory socialization serves the purpose of providing a way for us to move into a group or role and easing the transition into the new group after we have become a member. Anticipatory socialization also allows us to evaluate whether or not the group or role is a good fit for us before we actually take on that role.