a) Status socialization

In this kind of socialization, an individual is exposed to a broad pattern of socialization such as in a family or a community. This is designed to prepare the individual to occupy a generalized status in life. This involves learning the ways of life of a family and the community. It includes religious observations and initiation ceremonies (Ezewu, 1983). An individual also learns general positions such as being a mother if one is a female or a husbandifoneismale.Onelearnsthepositionsheoccupiesinsociety.

b) Role Socialization

In this kind of socialization, an individual is prepared for a specific vocation or function in society (Ezewu, 1983). One learns roles such as teaching, medicine and law. The purpose of this socialization is to equip one with a skill and expectations that contribute both to the development of the individual and society at large. One is socialized to accept and internalize the part and duties one has to play insociety.

Socialization is a functional prerequisite. This is mainly because during socialization, individuals learn the language of the culture they are born into as well as the roles expected of them. For instance, girls learn the roles expected of them as daughters, sisters, wives and mothers while boys learn the roles expected of boys and fathers in their community. Socialization is important in the process of personality formation. While much of human personality is the result of our genes, the socialization process can mould personality in particular directions by encouraging specific beliefs and attitudes as well as selectively providing experiences. This is very likely to account for much of the difference between the common personality types in one society in comparison to another.