What is the definition of socialization?

The definition of socialization is accurately described as the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values and norms of their society. This process is fundamental in shaping an individual’s beliefs, behaviors, and identities from infancy throughout their life.

Socialization occurs through various agents such as family, education systems, peers, and media, each contributing to the transmission of culture and societal expectations. By engaging in socialization, individuals learn what behaviors and attitudes are acceptable or encouraged within their particular cultural context. This internalization of societal norms and values helps individuals to function effectively within their community and contributes to social cohesion.

The other options focus on aspects that, while important in their own contexts, do not fully encompass the broader and more critical scope of socialization as understood in sociology. For example, learning and adapting to new environments may be part of socialization but doesn’t capture the essence of internalizing societal values. Additionally, psychological development during adolescence and the formation of social relationships in adulthood are specific phases or elements of human development rather than the overarching process of socialization itself.