The Role of Primary and Secondary Socialization in Society

Understanding Socialization and Social Norms

Instincts are biologically determined patterns of behavior, many of which are shared with other animals. However, human behavior is profoundly shaped by the process of socialization, which involves acquiring knowledge, forming bonds, and integrating into society. This process helps individuals internalize social norms and values. The absence of such a regulatory model can lead to a state of anomie, or normlessness. In contrast, when there is harmony in a society, its inhabitants are more likely to promote the social good, a goal often aligned with humanistic principles that seek collective and individual well-being.

Primary Socialization

Stage

This occurs during the first years of a child's life.

Features

• Acquisition of patterns and social customs of the group.
• It is favored by strong affective ties with family, friends, and peers.
• The process is largely unconscious and not deliberate.
• Its success is crucial for the formation of the individual and their proper adaptation to the environment.
• Interferences or disturbances in this process can lead to irreversible consequences.

Examples

• Language acquisition.
• Respecting social customs.
• Assimilation of fundamental norms and values.

Mechanisms

• Imitation
• Rewards and punishments

Secondary Socialization

Stage

This is not exclusive to a particular stage of life but occurs throughout it.

Features

• Involves readaptation to a changing environment or new circumstances.
• Responds to both affective ties and other interests.
• It can be a conscious and deliberate process.
• It is generally a less intense socialization process.
• Success is more likely if primary socialization was emotionally stable.

Examples

• Adjusting our conduct to the customs of a new school.
• Internalizing the peculiarities of a new community.
• Assimilation of the norms and values of a new environment.

Mechanisms

This involves the same mechanisms as primary socialization, but with more explicit communication and transmission of norms.

Agents of Socialization

Agents of socialization are all those elements that are emotionally or actively and directly involved in the process. The family is the first and most important socializing agent. Although the family model varies from culture to culture, all play a vital role in the formation and integration of children.

Family Models

Based on Type of Union

• Exogamy: A conjugal union between members of different social groups.
• Endogamy: A union between individuals of the same social group.

Based on Marriage Partners

• Monogamy: A union of one husband and one wife.
• Polygamy: A union involving more than one spouse.
  • Polygyny: A man with several wives.
  • Polyandry: A woman with several husbands.