Cultural Assimilation

Definition

Cultural assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, values, and behaviors of another culture, often resulting in the loss of their original cultural identity. This process can be influenced by various factors such as migration, social integration, and the desire for acceptance in a new environment. The implications of cultural assimilation are significant, particularly for marginalized communities as they navigate the complexities of identity and belonging in changing social landscapes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural assimilation often occurs when marginalized groups migrate to urban areas, seeking better economic opportunities and social mobility.
2. Urban Native Americans may face pressures to assimilate into mainstream culture while also striving to maintain their distinct cultural identities.
3. Historical policies such as the Indian Removal Act and boarding schools aimed to force Native Americans into assimilation, severely impacting their cultural heritage.
4. Military service provided some Native Americans a pathway to assimilation into American society, but it also raised questions about loyalty and identity.
5. Assimilation can create both challenges and opportunities for urban Native Americans, as they balance the need for integration with the desire to preserve their traditions.

Review Questions

• How does cultural assimilation impact the identities of urban Native Americans as they navigate life in cities?
  • Cultural assimilation deeply influences urban Native Americans by creating tension between adapting to mainstream societal norms and preserving their unique cultural identities. Many individuals may feel pressured to conform in order to gain acceptance or improve economic prospects, leading to a gradual erosion of traditional practices and languages. This struggle for identity highlights the complex dynamics of living in urban environments where different cultures intersect.
• Discuss the historical factors that have contributed to cultural assimilation among Native American communities throughout history.
  • Historical factors such as colonization, forced relocation, and policies like Indian boarding schools played a significant role in promoting cultural assimilation among Native American communities. These policies aimed to eradicate indigenous cultures by imposing Euro-American values and lifestyles. The legacy of these practices continues to affect contemporary Native populations, as many navigate the duality of wanting to succeed in mainstream society while retaining their cultural roots.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of cultural assimilation on Native American military service members and their communities.
  • Cultural assimilation has complex long-term effects on Native American military service members and their communities. While military service can provide opportunities for education and economic advancement, it often leads to a disconnection from traditional values and community ties. Additionally, the experience of serving in the military can result in conflicting feelings about identity and loyalty among veterans, particularly when they return to communities grappling with the impacts of assimilation and loss of cultural heritage.

Related terms

Acculturation:

The process by which individuals or groups adopt certain cultural traits of another group while still maintaining their original culture.

Cultural Identity: The shared sense of belonging to a particular culture, encompassing language, traditions, and customs that define a group's uniqueness.

Urbanization: The movement of people from rural areas to cities, often leading to changes in social structures and cultural dynamics.