As a veteran homeschooler, I am repeatedly questioned about "socialization" where my children are concerned. Age and experience have caused me to be far more tactful than my initial gut response to a canned answer that is composed without a moment's thought on the part of the questioner.

I saw a news clip (more on this later) that mentioned "socialization" in a less than admirable fashion, and decided it would be good article material. So, I turned to the easy to use, trusty google definition and found several definitions; the following two are most relevant to this blog topic:

• (so·cial·iza·tion) (so²sh[schwa]l-[ibreve]-za¢sh[schwa]n) the process by which society integrates the individual, and the individual learns to behave in socially acceptable ways.
• The process by which an individual accepts the goals of a social group to which he or she belongs and integrates these goals with those that he or she otherwise would choose individually. The term is meaningful in discussing “family values” in that people learn to see their personal effectiveness through the family rather than just their own personal efforts—marriage and parenting are usually major steps in this process. Modern individualism has reduced the importance of socialization and solidarity, which is a personal loyalty to these group goals. Socialization is seen as necessary partly because societies and social groups (emboldened type added by author).

So what, then, IS socialization? These two definitions tend to support my long held thesis that the primary purpose of socialization is to establish pecking order. It sets a glass ceiling on one's place in society, and only through nonconformity to these expectations can one truly escape the present limitations set on them by "socialization".

When I was 17, I went as a delegate to Oklahoma Boys State, which is put on by the American Legion and is essentially a one week practical course in government, with the intent of training future leaders. I was from the "wrong side of the tracks", and was told by my father "Don't even bother applying".

As I boarded the bus, one of the rich kids made the snide comment "I see they don't SCREEN their applicants". I was out of place and I knew it. But I had worked for this just as he had, and I intended to make the most of it.

What I found compelling, however, was the recent news as the Amarillo School District has been discussing implementing a dress code. The superintendent specifically stated that the purpose of the dress code was for students to concentrate on "education, not socialization, as that is not a purpose of school".

Well, if it's not a purpose of the school, then how are homeschoolers in any way limited? Just a thought, there.

Socialization as a phenomena is often mistaken for the needed social interactions between individuals. Far from being limited, homeschoolers can often be BETTER equipped for social interaction, as they aren't subject to the age segregated peer interaction so often found in public school systems.

It's time we put the socialization myth to rest as regards homeschooling. Not only does it not hold water,it's based on a flawed principle.