Socialization in the family commonly is considered a process by which children acquire self-understanding and learn to successfully interact with others in a specific cultural context. At one time, scholars conceived of socialization as a process limited to early childhood; thus, greater understanding about socialization, including how music is used in processes of socialization, exists for that stage of development. Now scholars view socialization as a process that continues throughout the life span. The emergent research includes studies on cultural variation in socialization processes, as well as on how parents continue as important socializing agents even as children mature and become influenced by schooling and a peer group. Relevant to music education are findings that parents and caregivers select and support older children's and adolescents' participation in specific extracurricular activities to help ensure their well-being and develop a desirable peer group.