What is the term for the most intense period of cultural learning, occurring in infancy and childhood?

The term for the most intense period of cultural learning occurring in infancy and childhood is primary socialization. During this crucial stage, individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors that are essential for functioning in their society, primarily through interactions with their family and close caregivers. This foundational period shapes their understanding of culture, language, and social roles, making it integral to personal development.

In this context, primary socialization sets the groundwork for future social interactions and experiences. It is a time when individuals absorb significant cultural knowledge that influences their identity and behavior throughout their lives.

The other terms, while related, refer to different stages or methods of social learning. Secondary socialization takes place later in life as individuals encounter new social contexts and learn to navigate different roles outside the family, such as in schools or workplaces. Tertiary socialization refers to the process of learning in adulthood, often focused on adapting to social norms in particular settings, while cultural transmission broadly describes the ongoing process of passing culture from one generation to the next, which encompasses but is not limited to the intimate family context of primary socialization.