Which term describes the process by which a group becomes more like the dominant culture, potentially shedding its original cultural traits?

Which term describes the process by which a group becomes more like the dominant culture, potentially shedding its original cultural traits?

• A. Integration
• B. Enculturation
• C. Acculturation
• D. Assimilation

Answer: (D)

Assimilation is the process where a group gradually becomes more like the dominant culture, often shedding its original cultural traits in the process. This involves adopting the dominant language, values, customs, and social norms to the point where aspects of the group’s earlier culture fade or disappear. For example, immigrant communities may adopt the majority language and practices, sometimes at the expense of maintaining their heritage language and customs. Integration keeps elements of both cultures, so it doesn’t imply shedding differences. Enculturation is about learning and passing on one’s own culture. Acculturation involves adopting some aspects of another culture without necessarily losing one’s original traits. Assimilation specifically emphasizes becoming like the dominant culture, including the loss of original cultural traits, which is why it best fits the described process.

Assimilation is the process where a group gradually becomes more like the dominant culture, often shedding its original cultural traits in the process. This involves adopting the dominant language, values, customs, and social norms to the point where aspects of the group’s earlier culture fade or disappear. For example, immigrant communities may adopt the majority language and practices, sometimes at the expense of maintaining their heritage language and customs.

Integration keeps elements of both cultures, so it doesn’t imply shedding differences. Enculturation is about learning and passing on one’s own culture. Acculturation involves adopting some aspects of another culture without necessarily losing one’s original traits. Assimilation specifically emphasizes becoming like the dominant culture, including the loss of original cultural traits, which is why it best fits the described process.