What is socialization ? Socialization 

Socialization is a process of adapting certain norms, receiving suggestions, expressing and communicating views and ideas, improving lifestyle, taking part in social activities, etc. As a child grows up, she/he slowly learns the language and accepted ways of behaving in the family and in his/her society. This is to say, the child slowly socializes as she/he grows up. During the process of socialization, an individual learns the skills and habits necessary to participate actively in societal activities. 

Socialization is a continuous process. This process of socialization is influenced by many factors that prevail in a particular society. Some of the factors which affect socialization are geographical structures, political systems, religions, languages, economic conditions, problems and needs of that particular society, etc. Socialization is very important as it helps a person to realize his/her duties and responsibilities as a member of the society. Socialization greatly helps in making a person civilized. So, socialization can be considered as the foundation of social development. 

Modes and Agents of socialization 

A successful process of socialization requires suitable supporting agents and appropriate modes. So, the agents and modes of socialization are simply the things which aid the process of socialization. Social institutions, customs, moral behaviors, rituals and rules are some of the things which help in the process of agents of socialization are broadly classified into two types which are primary agents and secondary agents. 

The agents of socialization are discussed below: 

Primary agents of socialization 

Primary agents informally help in the process of socialization . A child's immediate family, relatives and friends are some of the primary agents of socialization. After a child is born, his/her parents slowly teach him/her various things concerning the pattern of acceptable behavior in his/her society. In the same way, individual learn these things from his/her relatives and friends as well. This is an informal process through which the child learns various aspects of the society like social values, norms, lifestyles, cultures, traditions, etc. The child also develops different sorts of attitudes, feelings, behaviours, etc. Festivals and rituals can also be considered as primary agents of socialization. 

Secondary agents of socialization 

Secondary agents formally helps in the process of socialization process. Educational institutions like schools, colleges, different organizations, political parties, NGOs, INGOs, mass media, youth clubs, religious institutions, etc. are some of the secondary agents of socialization. Secondary agents are usually concerned in the socialization process outside home. These agents make people more active and socially forward. 

Elements of Socialization 

Elements of socialization denote the factors leading to socialization or method of socialization. Some of the elements of socialization are presented below: 

Language: Language is the appropriate base of communication which is used to understand other's expression and make others understand. Without communication, socialization is not possible and culture can't be transferred to new generation. 

Social interaction: Social interaction is the communication or joint activity involving two or more people. Social interaction and mutual cooperation makes the socialization process possible. 

Love, care and support: A human can express his/her views, feelings and problems in a lovely and supportive environment. The feeling of love, affection and support to each other helps in the socialization process. 

 Importance of Socialization 

1. An individual learns social norms, values and ideology from socialization. 
2. Socialization teachers an individual the social skills and basic knowledge to live. 
3. Socialization helps an individual to be a good person full of social attitude. 
4. Through socialization, an individual attains a perfect personality by accomplishing social obligations and becomes a disciplined member in the society. 
5. It helps in development of social skills and helps one to adapt according to changing social norms and values.