What does enculturation mean?

Question

Could you please give me some examples. Thank you :)

Answer 1

Enculturation is the process whereby an established culture teaches an individual by repetition its accepted norms and values, so that the individual can become an accepted member of the society and find their suitable role. Most importantly, it establishes a context of boundaries and correctness that dictates what is and is not permissible within that society's framework.

Answer 2

Enculturation is the process whereby an established culture teaches an individual by repetition its accepted norms and values, so that the individual can become an accepted member of the society and find their suitable role. Most importantly, it establishes a context of boundaries and correctness that dictates what is and is not permissible within that society's framework.

It is the process of learning that takes the person and teaches him or her the ways of life of their people or country. It is a life-long process, affecting not only the child, but the adult too. Enculturation is learned through communication in the form of speech, words, and gestures. We also learn through the unique images, objects, places and experiences that are characteristic of different cultures. The six things of culture that are learned are: technological, economic, political, interactive, ideological and world view.

further readings:

http://www.scn.org/cmp/key/key-e.htm

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-...

Answer 3

This is a very good question. Here we need to differentiate between acculturation and enculturation. the two concepts are often confused. Acculturation is the process by which a certain group of people teach/impose/impart (the choice of words are contextual) its values and norms on others. We may take teaching Christianity and converting people to Christian faith as an example of acculturation. It implies complete departure from your own way of life to take up a new one or mostly mixing the new culture with the old practices.

Enculturation on the other hand is more less similar with nurturing. Sociologists often use socialization in stead of enculturation. It is to educate or instruct a child or a person the rights and wrongs of an established culture. Help a person own the values of one culture as given and normal. In the end, you take for granted that your culture is the best. For example if your grow up in a society where polygamy is the norm you do not find or see what is wrong with that pattern of marriage.  

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

The process of becoming cultured...

1) Being born, and growing up.

2) Moving to another country.

3) Learning a new Language.