Final answer:
Cultural transmission is the process by which a culture's knowledge, values, and social norms are passed down from one generation to the next. This includes formal and informal methods of education and socialization, ensuring the preservation and evolution of societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of handing down the manners and understandings in common to a culture from one generation to the next would be a good definition for cultural transmission. Cultural transmission is the means by which the shared and accumulated knowledge, beliefs, assumptions, values, and technical knowledge are passed from one individual to another, and from one generation to the next, predominantly through the use of learned symbols such as language. This process is essential for the preservation and evolution of a society, as it includes the transmission of both formal education, such as learning about democracy in a U.S. History class, and informal education, like learning social norms through observation and participation within the culture.
Socialization plays a pivotal role in cultural transmission as it enables individuals to internalize and adopt the societal norms, values, and beliefs. This ensures not only the survival of the current society but also its ability to modify and diversify through innovation, discovery, and cultural diffusion. By understanding and participating in cultural transmission, individuals contribute to the rich diversity of cultures and the broader social tapestry.