Cultural assimilation

Cultural assimilation 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 the culture of the majority group becomes the accepted norm.

Definition

Cultural assimilation is defined as the process by which one cultural group merges into and becomes part of another cultural group. The term is used to describe the process of minority cultures losing their individual identities and becoming part of the dominant culture. This can occur through various means, such as intermarriage, acculturation, and social integration.

Process

The process of cultural assimilation can occur in various ways. It can occur when a smaller culture adopts the practices and norms of a larger culture, or when a culture is forced to assimilate into another culture due to colonization or invasion. The process can also occur voluntarily, as when individuals choose to assimilate into a new culture for economic or social reasons.

Effects

The effects of cultural assimilation can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, assimilation can lead to greater social cohesion and a sense of unity within a society. On the negative side, it can lead to the loss of cultural diversity and the suppression of individual cultural identities.

Criticism

Cultural assimilation has been criticized for its potential to erase cultural diversity and impose a dominant culture on minority groups. Critics argue that this can lead to the loss of unique cultural practices and traditions, and can also result in the marginalization of minority groups.

See also

• Acculturation
• Cultural integration
• Cultural diversity
• Ethnic group
• Minority group

References

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