What term describes the process of learning societal values and norms?

The correct term describing the process of learning societal values and norms is socialization. Socialization is a fundamental concept in sociology and psychology, referring to the lifelong process through which individuals, especially children, acquire the values, beliefs, and behaviors appropriate to their society. Through interactions with family, peers, education systems, and cultural institutions, individuals internalize norms that help them function within their communities.

Understanding socialization is crucial because it shapes an individual's identity and influences their behavior within society. It facilitates the transmission of culture from one generation to the next and equips individuals with the necessary skills to navigate social interactions effectively.

While assimilation involves the process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of a dominant group, it is not focused purely on the learning of societal values; it often suggests a more one-sided absorption of culture. Integration refers to the process of combining or coordinating different groups into a cohesive social unit, which encapsulates a broader societal goal rather than the individual learning aspect of norms. Enculturation, while similar to socialization, is more often used to describe the specific process of learning one's own culture, particularly in relation to younger individuals growing up within a specific societal context.

Given this understanding, socialization encompasses a broader and more inclusive understanding of