Cultural assimilation

Cultural Assimilation

Cultural assimilation (/kʌlʧərəl əˈsɪmɪˌleɪʃən/) is a process in which individuals or groups of differing ethnic heritage are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society. The process can occur when the minority group resides within the majority group and over time, adopts the culture of the majority group. This can include, but is not limited to, their language, dress, norms, values and behavior.

Etymology

The term "cultural assimilation" is derived from the Latin word "assimilatio", which means "to make similar". It was first used in the context of cultural integration in the early 20th century.

Related Terms

• Acculturation: This is a process of cultural change and psychological change that results following meeting between cultures. It is often confused with assimilation, but it differs as it can involve the adoption of elements of a dominant culture by a minority culture, while still retaining elements of the original culture.

• Melting Pot: This is a metaphor for a society where many different types of people blend together as one. It is often used to describe situations of cultural assimilation.

• Multiculturalism: This is a type of cultural diversity within a society and usually involves the acceptance and promotion of multiple ethnic traditions within a particular jurisdiction.

• Ethnocentrism: This is the act of judging another culture based on preconceptions that are found in the values and standards of one's own culture.

• Cultural Pluralism: This is a term used when smaller groups within a larger society maintain their unique cultural identities, and their values and practices are accepted by the wider culture.

• Cultural Diffusion: This is the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.

See Also

• Cultural integration
• Cultural diversity
• Cultural exchange
• Cultural imperialism

References

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cultural assimilation
• Wikipedia's article - Cultural assimilation

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