unsocialized

Unsocialized is an adjective used to describe individuals who have not learned or internalized the norms, behaviors, and social skills expected in a given society or group. The term is often applied to children who have experienced limited exposure to socialization processes during development, resulting in difficulties with ordinary social interaction.

Causes of unsocialization commonly involve extended isolation, neglect, or deprivation that interrupts typical caregiver–child interactions and exposure to social norms. Institutional care, abuse, or family disruption can contribute, as can cultural or environmental factors that limit opportunities for everyday social learning. It is important to note that unsocialization is not a clinical diagnosis in itself, but a descriptive condition that can arise from various circumstances and may intersect with other developmental or neurodivergent factors.

Common characteristics associated with unsocialization include difficulties understanding or using social cues, challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, and discomfort or withdrawal in social situations. Individuals may exhibit rigid routines, limited empathy, or difficulties adapting to unfamiliar social contexts. These features can vary widely in severity and may be influenced by the duration and quality of later social exposure.

Context and distinctions: the term is used in developmental psychology, sociology, and criminology to discuss the effects of social deprivation on behavior. It is not synonymous with antisocial behavior (which involves deliberate violation of norms) or with asociality (a preference for solitude). It is also distinct from clinical conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, which involve broader neurodevelopmental profiles.

Intervention and prognosis: when unsocialization is identified early, interventions focusing on social skills training, structured social exposure, and caregiver involvement can support improvement. Prognosis depends on multiple factors, including age at onset, underlying causes, and access to supportive social environments. See also socialization, feral child, attachment, neglect.