noun
- the process by which a person learns and adopts the cultural values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms of their society or group
Usage: commonly used in anthropology and education; often contrasted with acculturation, which refers to cultural change when groups come into contact
Examples
- Enculturation begins in infancy as children learn language and customs from their families.
- Schools play an important role in the enculturation of young people into civic values.
- The anthropologist studied the enculturation practices of indigenous communities.
- Through enculturation, children internalize the moral standards of their culture.
- Enculturation differs from acculturation in that it occurs within one's native culture rather than between cultures.
- Religious institutions often contribute to the enculturation of spiritual beliefs and practices.