What does the term "assimilation" refer to in cultural contexts?

In cultural contexts, the term "assimilation" refers to the process by which individuals or groups from a minority culture adopt the customs, values, and behaviors of the dominant culture, often losing their distinct cultural identities in the process. This can lead to the minority culture maintaining little to no form of cultural identity as they blend into the dominant culture. The essence of assimilation lies in the idea that minority groups may feel pressure to conform, leading to a significant alteration or disappearance of their original cultural traits.

The understanding of assimilation involves recognizing how cultural dynamics can erase identifiers such as language, traditions, and practices that differentiate minority cultures. It emphasizes the challenging dynamics of power, acceptance, and identity in multicultural societies. The focus on losing one's cultural identity is critical in defining assimilation, as it highlights the often-unilateral nature of this cultural interaction, where the dominant culture's influence prevails.