What term describes the process by which individuals learn the norms and expectations of a group?

The term that best describes the process by which individuals learn the norms and expectations of a group is "enculturation." Enculturation refers specifically to the way in which culture is transmitted from one generation to the next, occurring through social interactions, language, and experiences within a particular culture. This process helps individuals internalize the values, beliefs, and behaviors that are considered appropriate within their specific cultural context.

For instance, children learn societal norms from their families, schools, peers, and media, shaping how they perceive the world and behave in social settings. This internalization is essential for participating in cultural practices and for developing a sense of identity within that culture.

While socialization is a related concept that refers to the broader process of learning and integrating into any social group, enculturation is more focused on the specific cultural context. The other terms, such as acculturation and cultural assimilation, refer to processes where individuals or groups adopt elements from another culture, often as a result of prolonged contact, and may differ in their implications compared to the idea of simply learning one’s own cultural norms and expectations through enculturation.