Socialised vs. Socialized — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
"Socialised" and "socialized" are different spellings of the same concept, with "socialised" being the preferred form in British English and "socialized" in American English.
Difference Between Socialised and Socialized
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms "socialised" and "socialized" refer to the process of learning and adopting the norms, customs, and ideologies of a society. This process is essential for individuals to become functioning members of their community. The primary difference lies in the spelling, which reflects the linguistic preferences between British and American English.
In British English, "socialised" is commonly used in discussions about public policy and personal development, reflecting the British spelling convention of using 's' in places where American English uses 'z'. Conversely, in American English, "socialized" follows the spelling norms of using 'z', which is typical in words like "realize" and "organize".
These variations in spelling do not impact the meaning of the word or its usage in sentences. For instance, one might say in the UK, "Children are socialised at a young age to respect queue etiquette," whereas in the US, it would be, "Children are socialized at a young age to respect queue etiquette."
The choice between these spellings can also indicate the intended audience or the linguistic style of a piece of writing. For example, a paper written for a British journal may use "socialised," while one intended for an American publication would likely use "socialized."
Despite these differences, the process they describe is universal. Socialisation (or socialization) includes various mechanisms, from education and family dynamics to media influence, all contributing to how individuals understand and interact with their cultural and social environment.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English
American English
Usage Context
Used in UK and Commonwealth countries
Used primarily in the United States
Linguistic Preference
Prefers 's' in certain verb forms
Prefers 'z' in certain verb forms
Example Sentence
"He was socialised to follow traditional norms."
"She was socialized to follow traditional norms."
Associated with
British publications and settings
American publications and settings
Compare with Definitions
Socialised
To convert private industry to government control.
The government socialised healthcare services.
Socialized
To participate actively in society.
She socialized with colleagues to improve her professional network.
Socialised
To share resources or activities with a community.
They socialised the costs of the road repairs among all homeowners.
Socialized
To interact with others in a social setting.
He socialized at the conference to gain industry insights.
Socialised
To make social; adapt to societal norms.
In the UK, pupils are socialised into a set uniform policy.
Socialized
To convert private industry to government control.
Certain industries were socialized under the new administration.
Socialised
To participate actively in society.
He socialised with peers to better understand local customs.
Socialized
To make social; adapt to societal norms.
American schools socialized students into democratic values.
Socialised
To interact with others in a social setting.
She socialised at the event to make new friends.
Socialized
To place under government or group ownership or control
Socialized medical care.
Socialised
Simple past tense and past participle of socialise
Socialized
To cause to accept or behave in accordance with social norms or expectations
Techniques to socialize aggressive children.
Socialised
Under group or government control;
Socialized ownership
Socialized medicine
Socialized
To take part in social activities
Likes to socialize with people her age.
Socialized
(US) subsidized for social reasons
Socialized
Simple past tense and past participle of socialize
Socialized
Under group or government control;
Socialized ownership
Socialized medicine
Socialized
To share resources or activities with a community.
The community socialized the expenses for the annual festival.
Common Curiosities
What are examples of how someone is socialised or socialized?
Examples include education systems teaching societal rules, or families instilling cultural values.
Can either spelling be used interchangeably in writing?
While technically correct, it's best to use the spelling consistent with other language conventions in your text.
Does the spelling change affect how the terms are used in professional or academic contexts?
Yes, it can reflect the intended audience or the origin of the publication or research.
Are there criticisms of the socialisation or socialization process?
Yes, some argue that it can enforce conformity and suppress individuality or minority viewpoints.
What does it mean to be socialised or socialized?
Both terms refer to the process of learning and integrating into the norms and values of one's society.
How do media influence socialisation or socialization?
Media can play a significant role by depicting norms, values, and behaviors that are accepted or expected in a society.
Is there a difference in meaning between socialised and socialized?
No, the difference is purely in spelling, reflecting British and American English conventions.
Why do British English and American English use different spellings?
The differences evolved from varied linguistic influences and spelling standardizations in each region.
What role does socialisation or socialization play in personal identity?
It critically shapes how individuals see themselves and their roles within their community and culture.
How can understanding these terms help in cross-cultural communication?
Recognizing the process can aid in appreciating cultural differences and adapting communication strategies accordingly.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
