Differentiate between primary and secondary socialisation.

1. Socialisation is a process of learning, according to, society’s rules. It is also transmitted culture from one generation to other. There are broadly speaking two phases (or stages of socialization) :

(i) Primary socialisation.

(ii) Secondary socialisation.

2. ‘Primary Socialisation’ takes place in infancy and childhood. This is the most crucial stage of socialization as the basic behaviour pattern is learnt by the child at this stage. On the other hand secondary socialisation begins from a later of childhood and goes up to maturity.

Primary stage of socialisation consists of three sub-stages : (i) The oral stages, (ii) the anal stage and (iii) the oedipal stage. Its period is from first year of life to 13 years or so, while the secondary stage of socialisation starts from the beginning of teen age (13+) and goes upto last day of life.

3. The family is the main agency of socialisation in the first phase (i.e. the primary socialisation) while during the second phase i.e. the secondary stage of socialisation the main agencies of socialisation are the schools, peer groups, trade-unions, associations and other agencies in which the person is placed in life (office, factory, mill), play the role of socialisation.