Which concept focuses on how attitudes and behaviors are internalized over time?

The concept that focuses on how attitudes and behaviors are internalized over time is internalisation. This process refers to the way individuals adopt the beliefs, values, and norms of a group or society, incorporating them into their own identity. Over time, these external influences shape an individual's internal beliefs and behaviors, making them a fundamental part of how a person perceives themselves and interacts with the world.

Internalisation is key in understanding how socialization occurs, as it illustrates the transition from external influences to personal acceptance and integration of those influences into one’s attitudes. This process is critical in the development of moral values, social norms, and personal views, allowing individuals to not only conform to societal standards but to genuinely believe in them.

In contrast, social constructionism emphasizes how social phenomena are created through interactions rather than focusing specifically on the internalization of those attitudes and behaviors. Social identity theory investigates how group membership affects a person's identity but does not centrally address the process of internalization. Behaviorism, on the other hand, focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli rather than the internal psychological processes involved in how attitudes and behaviors are adopted over time.