Final answer:
The process you're asking about is known as socialization. It is how people are taught to be proficient members of society by learning its norms and values, as opposed to merely socializing. Assimilation, on the other hand, is when a minority gives up their identity to fit in with the dominant culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process through which people are integrated into a society by exposure to the actions and opinions of others is called socialization. Socialization is a term used to describe how individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and beliefs of a society to become well-functioning members. This is distinct from socializing, which refers to general interaction with others. During socialization, people come to understand societal norms and expectations, helping them feel connected and maintain societal continuity.
When considering scenarios such as joining a fraternity or sorority, attending college, or starting kindergarten, the individual experiences a form of socialization where they adapt to new cultural behaviors and expectations. In contrast, assimilation refers to the process in which a minority group or individual loses its original identity by adopting the attributes of the dominant culture. Sociological benchmarks such as socioeconomic status, spatial concentration, language assimilation, and intermarriage are used to measure the extent of assimilation.