What are shared values and norms primarily instilled through?

Shared values and norms are primarily instilled through education and socialization because these processes actively shape an individual’s understanding of societal expectations and cultural practices. Education plays a significant role in transmitting knowledge, cultural heritage, beliefs, and ethics from one generation to the next. Through formal education, individuals learn not only academic content but also the social behaviors and values deemed important by society.

Socialization, which occurs in various contexts—family, community, and culture—allows individuals to internalize the norms and values of their society. This process begins in early childhood and continues throughout life, influencing behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions. Through interactions with parents, peers, and media, people learn what is considered acceptable and unacceptable within their culture.

Cultural events, while they can reinforce shared values and norms, primarily serve as expressions or celebrations of those values rather than their foundational source. Government regulations can influence behavior but often follow societal norms rather than create them. Peer pressure can affect individual behavior, but it is typically a manifestation of the existing norms rather than a primary means of instilling them. Therefore, the foundational roles of education and socialization in instilling shared values and norms establish this answer as the most accurate.