Socialisation across the life course
Socialisation does not end in childhood; people keep learning new roles until the end of life.
Life stages
Each stage of life brings new expectations: starting school, entering the workforce, marriage, parenthood, retirement. Many societies mark these transitions with rites of passage such as graduations or coming-of-age ceremonies. The timing and meaning of stages vary across cultures and historical periods.
Anticipatory socialisation and resocialisation
Anticipatory socialisation is practising for future roles, like a student interning at a company before graduating. Resocialisation is unlearning old norms and learning new ones, often intensively. It happens in total institutions, such as prisons, military boot camps, and psychiatric hospitals, where an authority controls nearly every part of daily life.
Why socialisation matters
Cases of children raised in severe isolation, who struggled to learn language and social skills later, show how much human development depends on social contact. Sociologists also debate nature versus nurture and generally conclude that both biology and social environment shape who we become.
Flashcard
Unlearning old norms and learning new ones
Check your understanding
New military recruits have their hair cut, wear identical uniforms, and follow strict schedules. This is an example of: