My Socialization Process

" Socialization" is a term that is commonly associated with communication and society. It is a process by which individuals acquire knowledge, language, social skills and values that help conform to the roles and norms required for integration into  a group or community.According to Clausen (1968) socialization can be described as: "The process of learning one's culture and how to live within."  it is the role or behavior that is expected from you by the society. It is following certain rules and regulations that are required to live in our social sphere. In simple terms it is the growth of an individual in all aspects related to peaceful existence in a society. It is a growth guided by teachers, family, coaches, peers, community and media among others. We can call it the general process of acquiring culture. For instance, girls learn how to be good daughters,sisters,mothers, wives, friends,etc. They also learn about the occupational roles that society has for them.It is important in the process of personality formation and development.

Socialization occurs in three distinct stages of our lives,namely primary,secondary and third stage of adulthood. The primary stage involves the socialization from birth i.e young infant in the family. Secondary stage involves socialization in school. The third stage is adult socialization wherein individuals learn to live in an acceptable way in our society. Socialization thus can be said to help a person create his/her identity. It helps in maintaining and preserving social values and norms over generations. It helps inculcate basic discipline and controls human behavior. It takes place formally in a school and informally at home.

For an individual who has gone into the teaching profession socialization process can be seen differently. The abrupt change from student to student teacher can impact the personality through reversal of roles. Below is my socialization process as a student in terms of family,peers,school and society.

1.  Family:  From the time I was in the  3rd std I wanted to be a teacher. My mother is a kindergarten teacher and so she became my role model. This need to be a teacher arose when my mother would take me to to her school, on days when i was left early from my school. She would always make me the monitor of the class and I loved it.During those times i would help students learn to write or pronounce alphabets too. My parents also provided me with a slate and chalks; I used to play pretend teacher games with my siblings.I was always encouraged at home.
2. Peers: Since I was an avid reader ,I would always provide my friends with extra tidbits or facts . If they ever had a difficulty with words , they would consult me. Few of them had already started teasing me as teacher. This made me feel better , because I aspired to be one.
3. School: In school, I was always inspired by a few of my teachers.They would explain so well that I would wish to be like them.In particular, Mrs.Anita my history teacher was a great influence on me. She made history seem fun and interesting. Given that it is the most boring subject I had ever studied, it was a great feat on her part. Even today I aspire to be as good as her. 
4. Society: Whenever anyone asked me what I would like to be, I would promptly say "a Teacher"  in reply. Every time I did that most would encourage me and praise me for following in my mother's footsteps. As a child I also saw how much respect the teacher's position garnered in the society. No one ever told me it would be wrong to be a teacher and that helped boost my confidence.

My socialization process as a student teacher:

1.  Family: My immediate family was as proud and ecstatic as one could be when I received admission in the Bachelor of Education course.They had always supported my dream and now I was besieged with a lot of well meant advice. Granted there were a few individuals in my extended family who made sour faces when they got the news, it only served to make me more determined. As a student teacher I'm more dependent on my parents for everything. They provide me with whatever is needed without complaint, even though its hard. I'm happy that I will be able to make them proud in another year.
2. Peers: My friends also keep me encouraged every time I feel laden with lots of work. When I'm exhausted , they help cheer me up and renew my zeal to be a teacher. In fact, my best friend asks for advice from her relatives who are teachers, which she then passes on to me. She wants me to be the best I can be.
3. School: At my institute, I feel greatly inspired . Looking at my method masters and the fact that they are at the epitome of teaching, inspires me. There is no lack of guidance here. There are ample opportunities provided to better oneself here. I'm always pushed out of my comfort zone and thrown into unknown territory. So far I have managed to come out unscathed. I love that our teacher mentors are so encouraging through their words and actions. The positive criticism gives me a chance to correct my mistakes and be a better teacher. Their advice is much needed and appreciated as a student teacher. I've now found myself to be more skilled and confident than I was before.
4.  Society: In society one might say I am automatically looked at with new eyes when I say that I'm training to be a teacher. The hard work and my efforts are well appreciated and received. I've found many other teachers who have provided me with advice. It makes me yearn to garner earn respect, born from my work and my skills. The people around me are great motivators and make me want to achieve my dream.

Limitations of the socialization process:

The most foremost limitation is the perception of a teacher's role in society. Every group of individuals will have different views on this role. To fit every perception is impossible, hence only one current group will influence and shape the person. Another is that the prescribed rules and norms do not give the freedom to explore.In my case all I thought about was teaching and how to be a good teacher. No opportunity was provided to think of any other career , I had already placed myself in that position based on the society around me. It was hardwired in me to be a teacher.