Definitions
- Referring to the process of adapting to a new culture while still retaining elements of one's original culture. - Describing the exchange of cultural traits between two or more groups. - Talking about the gradual process of learning and adopting the customs, values, and behaviors of a new culture.
- Referring to the process of fully adopting the customs, values, and behaviors of a new culture and abandoning one's original culture. - Describing the integration of individuals or groups into a dominant culture. - Talking about the pressure to conform to the norms and expectations of a new culture.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve adapting to a new culture.
- 2Both can occur through exposure to a different culture.
- 3Both can lead to changes in behavior, values, and beliefs.
- 4Both can be influenced by social and political factors.
- 5Both can involve a sense of loss or gain in cultural identity.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree of change: Acculturation involves adapting to a new culture while still retaining elements of one's original culture, while assimilation involves fully adopting the new culture and abandoning one's original culture.
- 2Attitude: Acculturation emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's cultural identity, while assimilation emphasizes the importance of conforming to the dominant culture.
- 3Outcome: Acculturation can result in a bicultural identity, while assimilation results in a monocultural identity.
- 4Pressure: Acculturation is often a voluntary process, while assimilation can be pressured or forced.
- 5Context: Acculturation is often used in a positive context, while assimilation can have negative connotations.
Remember this!
Acculturation and assimilation both refer to the process of adapting to a new culture. However, the main difference between them is the degree of change involved. Acculturation involves adapting to a new culture while still retaining elements of one's original culture, while assimilation involves fully adopting the new culture and abandoning one's original culture. Additionally, acculturation emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's cultural identity, while assimilation emphasizes the importance of conforming to the dominant culture.
