Assimilation
Definition
Assimilation refers to a process where minority groups lose their cultural distinctiveness by adapting to the customs and attitudes of the dominant culture or society.
Analogy
Imagine you're a unique puzzle piece with your own color and shape (representing your culture). Now imagine being forced into another puzzle where you have to change your shape and color (your cultural identity) to fit in - that's assimilation.
Related terms
Cultural Pluralism: This is when small groups within a larger society maintain their unique cultural identities while also contributing to the larger culture's overall social economy.
Melting Pot: A metaphor for a society where many different types of people blend together as one. This is often used to describe the assimilation of immigrants in the United States.
Acculturation: The process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group, but still maintaining some aspects of your original culture.
"Assimilation" appears in:
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.