ABSTRACTIn this essay, socialization and personality development are put in the context of the central issue of voluntaristic action theory–namely, the conditions under which the integration of social order and individual autonomy is possible. The theory of the interpenetration of man's basic organic structure and his natural, social, and cultural environments constitutes the essence of the answer to this problem in voluntaristic action theory. This theoretical core of voluntaristic action theory has its roots in Kant's critical philosophy. Emile Durkheim provided this theory with its first specific formulation concerning the question of the relationship between socialization and personality development. This formulation shows a clear convergence with the writings of other classic authors on socialization theory. The first part of this study aims to elucidate Durkheim's contribution, with side‐glances at other classic theorists to show points of agreement with him. In the second part, socialization and personality development will be dealt with systematically. Finally, in the third part, various forms of deviation from the ideal case of the integration of social order and individual autonomy will be treated: the types of malintegration between individual and society and the constellation of their cau