What is the process by which individuals learn the culture of their society called?

The correct answer is socialization, which is the process through which individuals acquire the values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that are appropriate to their society. Socialization occurs primarily during childhood but continues throughout life as individuals engage with different social groups and institutions, such as family, schools, and peers. This ongoing process helps individuals understand their roles within their community and society at large, facilitating their integration into the cultural framework of their environment.

The other terms describe related but distinct processes. Acculturation refers to the process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group, often occurring when different cultures come into contact. Assimilation is the process by which individuals or groups from one culture become part of another culture, often leading to a loss of the original culture. Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural elements from one society to another, not necessarily involving the individual learning or internalizing these elements as part of their own culture.