What does the term 'cultural assimilation' refer to?

The term 'cultural assimilation' refers to the integration of different cultures into a single cultural identity. This process typically occurs when individuals from one cultural background adopt the behaviors, values, and norms of another culture, often the dominant culture. Through cultural assimilation, distinct cultural features may become less pronounced as they blend into a more unified identity. This can happen in various contexts, such as immigration, where individuals may assimilate into the culture of their new country while gradually losing aspects of their original cultural identity.

Cultural assimilation is not about preserving distinctiveness or rejecting foreign influences; rather, it emphasizes the blending and merging of cultural characteristics. Understanding this process helps in analyzing the dynamics of cultural interactions in multicultural societies and the effects of globalization on local traditions and practices.