What is the process by which individuals internalize societal norms called?

What is the process by which individuals internalize societal norms called?

• A. Acculturation
• B. Socialization
• C. Enculturation
• D. Assimilation

Answer: (B)

The process by which individuals internalize societal norms is known as socialization. This term refers to the lifelong process through which people learn and assimilate the values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms of their culture or society. Socialization occurs through various agents, such as family, peers, schools, media, and religious institutions, which collectively influence an individual's development and integration into society. During socialization, individuals come to understand what is expected of them in different social contexts. They learn to navigate the social world, adopt appropriate behaviors, and understand the social roles they are expected to fulfill. This process is essential for the cohesive functioning of society, as it helps maintain cultural continuity and stability by ensuring that individuals share a common understanding of norms and values. Other terms, while related, refer to different concepts. Acculturation involves the cultural exchange that occurs when individuals from one culture come into contact with another, often leading to changes in cultural practices. Enculturation is a more specific term often used interchangeably with socialization, referring especially to the process of learning one’s own culture. Assimilation describes the process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs and practices of another culture, often losing their original cultural identity in the process.

The process by which individuals internalize societal norms is known as socialization. This term refers to the lifelong process through which people learn and assimilate the values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms of their culture or society. Socialization occurs through various agents, such as family, peers, schools, media, and religious institutions, which collectively influence an individual's development and integration into society.

During socialization, individuals come to understand what is expected of them in different social contexts. They learn to navigate the social world, adopt appropriate behaviors, and understand the social roles they are expected to fulfill. This process is essential for the cohesive functioning of society, as it helps maintain cultural continuity and stability by ensuring that individuals share a common understanding of norms and values.

Other terms, while related, refer to different concepts. Acculturation involves the cultural exchange that occurs when individuals from one culture come into contact with another, often leading to changes in cultural practices. Enculturation is a more specific term often used interchangeably with socialization, referring especially to the process of learning one’s own culture. Assimilation describes the process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs and practices of another culture, often losing their original cultural identity in the process.