Contemporary approaches and models of socialization

The article presents concepts and models of socialization/upbringing present in contemporary psychology. Currently, upbringing is recognized as a non-linear transaction process. It emphasizes the qualitative nature of changes, which are the result of the clash of natural contradictions having their origins in: internal factors related to the educator and the charge, external ones in the dyad educator-charge, and ones related to the nature and specificity of the educational relationship. The presentation of the latest approach to socialization is preceded by a concise discussion of previous approaches, including historical ones. Considerations are also made about the role of time and dialectical understanding of the educational relationship in explaining the upbringing process. Furthermore, meaningful questions leading to deepening the knowledge about socialization and allowing a more effective application have been included. Finally, the comparison of selected models of upbringing is drawn, as well as the author’s definition of this process.