Chapter 2 Overview

In this chapter, a review of Durkheim’s work provides a jumping off point for learning more about the process of socialization, a term that refers to the lifelong and varied process of learning about a society’s norms, customs, and ideologies. This is necessary information to participate in society and develop a sense of who we are in relation to that society.

Different theoretical perspectives find that socialization serves different functions in society. For structural functionalists, the process of socialization is necessary to the smooth function of society and its institutions. For conflict theorists, socialization unfolds within a society dominated by power struggles between capitalists and workers. They wonder about who controls the power to socialize the next generation and with what message they do so. For feminist theorists, the process of socialization is influenced by patriarchy or the control men have in society over institutions and other forms of power. For symbolic interactionists, socialization unfolds during our interactions with others.

Finally, the chapter introduces the different types of socialization including gender, primary, secondary, anticipatory, and resocialization. These types are distinguished by scale and time frame. For example, primary socialization is when individuals learn how to become members of a society whereas secondary socialization refers to when individuals learn how to become members of a subculture found within that larger society. Anticipatory socialization refers to learning how to perform in some future role whereas resocialization occurs when an individual is socialized to take on a new role and leave an old one behind.