What is the Difference Between Resocialization and Desocialization

The main difference between resocialization and desocialization is that resocialization is the process of adopting new values, attitudes and behaviours, but in contrast, desocialization is the process of giving up old values, attitudes, and behaviours.

Resocialization and desocialization are two inter-related concepts. Desocialization involves the loss of self-identity, while resocialization involves the adoption of a new identity or social role. Resocialization can only happen when desocialization has taken place. In other words, in order to adopt new norms, values, attitudes and behaviours, one must give up his old values, attitudes and behaviours.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Desocialization 
     – Definition, Characteristics, Examples
2. What is Resocialization
     – Definition, Characteristics
3. What is the Relationship Between Resocialization and Desocialization
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Resocialization and Desocialization
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Desocialization, Resocialization, Total Institution

What is Desocialization

To understand this concept of desocialization better, you have to first understand the concept of total institutions. A total institution is a closed social system where a great number of similarly situated people, cut off from the wider community for a considerable time, lead a formally administered life. Prisons, military compounds, mental asylums, private boarding schools, ships at sea are some examples of total institutions. When a person enters a total institution, he is cut off from social contacts and has to give up his old norms, values, attitudes and behaviours. We call this process desocialization. In this process, an individual loses his old self.

However, desocialization does not only take place in total institutions. Desocialization also happens when a person experiences role loss and an accompanying loss of associated power or prestige. In this process also, he or she has to give up his old attitudes, values, and behaviours. For example, imagine a sportsman retiring – he may feel a loss of self-identity with his retirement. This can result in an identity crisis, loss of self-image and self-esteem, as well as loss of peer status.

In psychology, desocialization can refer to the gradual withdrawal from social contacts and interpersonal communication. For example, an individual suffering from a severe mental disorder like schizophrenia may withdraw from society. Moreover, as described in the disengagement theory, an individual may also withdraw from society as he grows elderly, and loses his physical and mental skills and abilities.

What is Resocialization

Resocialization is the process of learning or adopting new norms, values, attitudes and behaviours. Resocialization is necessary when a person serves time in prison, joins the military, or joins a religious convent. Here, a person has to give up his old behaviours and learn and adopt the new rules of the institution. The process of resocialization is usually more difficult and stressful than the process of socialization.

Like desocialization, resocialization may not always take place in total institutions. It can also happen in subtler ways. A person going through a major life transition like marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, or even retirement can go through resocialization as they have to take on a new social role.

Relationship Between Resocialization and Desocialization

• Resocialization and desocialization are two inter-related concepts as resocialization can only happen when desocialization has taken place.

Difference Between Resocialization and Desocialization

Definition

Resocialization is the process of adopting new values, attitudes and behaviours. But, in contrast, desocialization is the process of giving up old values, attitudes, and behaviours.

Social Role or Identity

Desocialization involves the loss of self-identity or social role, while resocialization involves the adoption of a new identity or social role

Order

Desocialization happens first; resocialization follows desocialization.

Conclusion

The main difference between resocialization and desocialization is that resocialization is the process of adopting new values, attitudes and behaviours, whereas desocialization is the process of giving up old values, attitudes, and behaviours. Moreover, resocialization involves the loss of self-identity or the old social role, while resocialization involves the adoption of a new identity or social role. Resocialization can only happen when desocialization has taken place.

Reference:

1. “prison, bars, jail, imprisoned, justice, arrest, punishment, law, jailhouse, criminal” (CC0) via Pxfuel
2. “2934268” (CC0) via Pixabay

Image Courtesy:

1. Crossman, Ashley. “Understanding Resocialization in Sociology.” ThoughtCo, ThoughtCo, 28 Aug. 2019, Available here.
2. “Desocialization .” Oxford Reference, 31 Oct. 2019, Available here.