What is the term that describes the social process through which children learn cultural norms and values?

The term that describes the social process through which children learn cultural norms and values is socialization. Socialization is a fundamental aspect of human development, where individuals, especially children, acquire the skills, beliefs, and behaviors deemed appropriate by their culture. This process begins in early childhood and continues throughout life, facilitated by interactions with family, peers, educational institutions, and broader societal influences.

Through socialization, children learn not only language and social skills but also the values and principles that shape their worldview, guiding their actions and decisions. This foundational process helps integrate individuals into their culture, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.

While enculturation also refers to the way individuals learn their culture, it is often used more specifically to describe the process of absorbing cultural norms directly, usually through informal experiences rather than structured teaching. Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism pertain to perspectives and attitudes towards cultural differences, but they do not specifically refer to the learning process of cultural norms and values in children.