Final answer:
Social change is the gradual change in the values of people, influenced by cultural transmission, assimilation, and factors like economic growth and political ideology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gradual and pervasive change in the values of a people is known as social change. This concept refers to the evolution in the way a society operates, particularly how its members interact with each other and understand societal norms, expectations, and values. Cultural transmission plays a critical role in this process, as it is the method by which a society's values, beliefs, and social norms are passed down from generation to generation. The process of assimilation, where a minority group or individual adopts the characteristics of the dominant culture, can also contribute to this gradual shift in values. Furthermore, factors such as industrialization, economic growth, and changes in political ideology also influence how values evolve over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of social change.