what is cultural assimilation

Cultural assimilation is the process in which a minority group or culture comes to resemble a societys majority group or assimilate the values, behaviors, and beliefs of another group whether fully or partially. During cultural assimilation, minority groups are expected to adapt to the everyday practices of the dominant culture through language and appearance as well as via more significant socioeconomic factors such as absorption into the local cultural and employment community. Cultural assimilation may involve either a quick or a gradual change depending on the circumstances of the group. There are different types of cultural assimilation, such as cultural integration mostly found in multicultural communities, where a minority group within a given society adopts aspects of the dominant culture through either cultural diffusion or for practical reasons like adapting to another societys social norms while retaining their original culture. The term "assimilation" is often used with regard to not only indigenous groups but also immigrants settled in a new land. Supporters of assimilation claim it creates a more cohesive cultural identity, reduces cultural conflict, and helps immigrants gain more social and economic opportunities. However, opponents argue that assimilation leads to discrimination and cultural destruction.