Acculturation

Acculturation, process by which continuous contact between two or more distinct societies causes cultural change. This can happen in one of two ways. The beliefs and customs of the groups may merge almost equally and result in a single culture. More often, however, one society completely absorbs the cultural patterns of another through a process of selection and modification. This change often occurs because of political or military domination. It may cause considerable psychological disturbance and social unrest.

The term acculturation was first used in anthropology in the late 19th century. After World War II it became an important field of study in applied anthropology.