Which process is primarily associated with the acquisition of social norms and values?

The acquisition of social norms and values is best described by socialization. This process encompasses the lifelong learning of cultural norms, values, behaviors, and social skills that are essential for functioning effectively within a society. Through socialization, individuals learn what is considered acceptable and appropriate in their culture, which significantly shapes their personal identity and social behavior.

Socialization occurs through various agents, including family, peers, education systems, and media, each contributing to an individual's understanding of societal expectations. It is a fundamental process that not only helps individuals integrate into society but also enables the continuity of cultural practices and communal values across generations.

Other processes mentioned, such as transference, acculturation, and habituation, serve different psychological functions. Transference relates to projecting feelings and attitudes from one person to another, often seen in therapeutic contexts. Acculturation involves adapting to a different culture, often when individuals or groups migrate, while habituation is a form of learning where there is a decreased response to a stimulus over time. These concepts do not specifically encapsulate the broad and foundational process of learning social norms and values in the same way that socialization does.