Definition and Example of Enculturation
Jill is a 16-year-old high school junior. She lives with her parents and two younger brothers in a small town in the Midwest. Jill's parents are both very religious. Her family attends church every Sunday and Jill is a member of the youth choir. Jill's parents encourage all of their children to be kind, respectful, and to follow the rules.
Jill has had the same two best friends since she was in kindergarten. All of the girls wear their hair in similar styles and like to borrow each other's clothes. They also take shopping trips and family vacations together. Since her town only has one high school, Jill attends school with both of her best friends. Jill, like her two best friends, is doing very well at school and volunteers in her community. Jill's family and friends have no doubt that she will grow up to be a successful adult. Let's look at the ways in which Jill's family and friends have influenced her enculturation.