Assimilation (sociology)

Assimilation (sociology), the process by which individuals or groups are absorbed into and adopt the dominant culture and society of another group. The term assimilation is generally used with regard to immigrants to a new land, such as the various ethnic groups who have settled in the United States. New customs and attitudes are acquired through contact and communication. The transfer of customs is not simply a one-way process. Each group of immigrants contributes some of its own cultural traits to its new society. Assimilation usually involves a gradual change and takes place in varying degrees; full assimilation occurs when new members of a society become indistinguishable from older members. See also Acculturation.