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.

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.