The development of metasocialization: A theoretical framework

Abstract

This article presents a conceptual framework describing the development of children's understanding of their own and others' socialization (metasocialization). Metasocialization is hypothesized to be a joint function of the child's cognitive development, specific socialization experiences with parents, peers, teachers and other important socialization agents and the cultural patterning of socialization (e.g., the allocation of rights to and responsibilities for the child). Hypotheses designed to generate future research are suggested from the framework. © 1989.