4.4d Adult Socialization

Socialization is most often associated with childhood. However, socialization occurs throughout one’s life. Colleges and employers hold orientations for new students and employees, for example. These orientations help socialize incoming members of the group into their roles and learn the organization’s norms. New college students may learn the school fight song and about the school’s traditions. New employees may learn how to do their job and the company’s culture.

Any time a person changes roles (see Chapter 3), they will undergo a socialization period into that new role. Becoming a parent or grandparent, retiring, and other changes result in learning the expectations associated with the new role. Moreover, people may take part in anticipatory socialization prior to their new role. For instance, expecting parents do anticipatory socialization before giving birth. They attend childcare classes, read books on parenting, and receive advice from other parents.

Photo 4.15

New Employees Attend Orientation