👩‍👩‍👦intro to sociology review

Assimilation

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups of differing ethnic heritage are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society. It involves the adoption of the cultural norms of the dominant or host culture, to the point where the assimilating group becomes indistinguishable from that culture.