Enculturation is the process by which individuals learn the dynamics of their surrounding culture and acquire values and norms appropriate or necessary to that culture and its worldviews. It is a deep-rooted process that binds together individuals, and it paves the way for tolerance, which is highly needed for peaceful co-habitance. Enculturation is closely related to socialization, which is the adaptation of an individual into social groups by absorbing the ideas, beliefs, and practices surrounding them. Here are some key points about enculturation:
- Enculturation is the process where the culture that is currently established teaches an individual the accepted norms and values of the culture or society where the individual lives.
- The individual can become an accepted member and fulfill the needed functions and roles of the group. Most importantly, the individual knows and establishes a context of boundaries and accepted behavior that dictates what is acceptable and not acceptable within the framework of that society.
- Enculturation can be intentional or unintentional and formal or informal. It can occur due to cultural contact or innovation and can lead to social acceptance.
- Enculturation enables individuals to familiarize themselves with their own cultures and conform to its expectations. It is an essential requirement for surviving and becoming an accepted member of ones own community or society.
In summary, enculturation is the process of learning and internalizing the rules, values, and expectations of ones culture, which is essential for becoming an accepted member of ones community or society.
