An individual or group acquires the cultural traits of a dominant group through the process of

An individual or group acquires the cultural traits of a dominant group through the process of

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

Answer: (D)

Assimilation is the process in which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of the dominant group, often resulting in the loss or blending away of their own distinct cultural practices. This one-way absorption—the language, norms, values, and behaviors of the dominant culture being taken on to fit in—best fits the described scenario. Enculturation, by contrast, is learning the norms of one’s own culture; acculturation involves cultural change through contact that can occur in either direction without necessarily giving up one’s original culture; integration means joining the broader society while maintaining some distinct cultural identity.

Assimilation is the process in which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of the dominant group, often resulting in the loss or blending away of their own distinct cultural practices. This one-way absorption—the language, norms, values, and behaviors of the dominant culture being taken on to fit in—best fits the described scenario. Enculturation, by contrast, is learning the norms of one’s own culture; acculturation involves cultural change through contact that can occur in either direction without necessarily giving up one’s original culture; integration means joining the broader society while maintaining some distinct cultural identity.