Which term describes the process of being raised in a culture and acquiring its traits, often through schooling?

The process of being raised in a culture and acquiring its traits, often through schooling, is best described by the term socialization. Socialization encompasses the lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, norms, and skills necessary to function effectively within their society. This occurs primarily during childhood and adolescence but continues to some degree throughout life.

In the context of culture, socialization helps individuals develop their identity and understand their role within their community. It is a fundamental mechanism through which cultural knowledge and practices are transmitted from one generation to the next, ensuring that individuals become competent members of their society.

Other terms may relate to cultural processes but do not specifically refer to the upbringing and education aspect inherent in the definition of socialization. For instance, acculturation typically involves the adoption of elements of another culture, while assimilation refers to the process of becoming similar to the dominant culture. Cultural adaptation, on the other hand, describes the adjustments individuals make when interacting with different cultures but doesn't focus purely on the learning through upbringing and schooling that defines socialization.