Difference Between Acculturation and Assimilation

Acculturation and assimilation are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and implications. Acculturation is the process of two cultures coming into contact and exchanging ideas, behaviors, and values, while assimilation refers to the adoption of the dominant culture's practices, beliefs, and values by a minority group. In this essay, we will discuss the difference between acculturation and assimilation in detail.

What is Acculturation?

Acculturation is the process by which two or more cultures come into contact with each other and exchange ideas, values, and behaviors. In this process, both cultures are changed, and they adopt some aspects of the other culture. Acculturation can happen through various means, such as migration, intermarriage, trade, and globalization.

The process of acculturation involves the exchange of cultural practices, values, and beliefs between two or more cultures. For example, when people from different cultures interact, they may learn new languages, foods, and customs from each other. This process can be either positive or negative, depending on the attitudes of the cultures involved.

Positive acculturation occurs when people from different cultures are willing to learn from each other and respect each other's cultural practices. Negative acculturation occurs when one culture seeks to dominate or assimilate the other culture.

Characteristics of Acculturation

Some of the characteristics of Acculturation are given below −

• There is a difference of power between two societies coming into contact and exchanging culture in case of acculturation.

• Acculturation can lead to both coercion and disruption of culture of people depending upon the way two societies come into contact.

• Acculturation is a group process but is considered individual experience as well. “Acculturation is a group process through their treatment of the group as a single unit with no reference to the individual. Others, though they acknowledge the individual element, still are concerned with the group as the acculturating constituent” (Teske, Nelson 352).

Examples of Acculturation

The process of acculturation has been seen in many societies over the course of time as culture change is continuous. One of the examples is, “acculturation of Native American children studying in boarding schools such as Carlisle School” (Eller 282). Another example is observed as the changing of culture of South Asian community in Sub Continent after Colonialism as a result of acculturation.

What is Assimilation?

Assimilation is a process in which a minority culture adopts the practices, beliefs, and values of the dominant culture. It occurs when the minority group loses its distinct cultural identity and becomes absorbed into the dominant culture. Assimilation often occurs as a result of immigration, where the immigrants are expected to adopt the culture of the host country.

Assimilation can be voluntary or forced. Voluntary assimilation occurs when the minority group adopts the practices, beliefs, and values of the dominant culture by choice. Forced assimilation occurs when the dominant culture imposes its practices, beliefs, and values on the minority group.

The process of assimilation can have positive or negative effects. On the positive side, assimilation can lead to social integration and the creation of a cohesive society. On the negative side, assimilation can lead to the loss of cultural diversity, the erosion of the minority group's cultural heritage, and the marginalization of the minority group.

Characteristics of Assimilation

Some of the characteristics of assimilation are given below −

• “Assimilation has a dual character is more or less reciprocal in its action-a process of give and take to a greater or less degree” (Teske, Nelson 363).

• Assimilation is considered as a unidirectional process.

• Assimilation is not influenced by dominant power structures of the society hence it is a natural process.

• Assimilation takes place slowly in the society, so the culture is sub consciously internalized.

Example of Assimilation

One of the common examples of assimilation is the immigration of an individual or a group to a foreign country.

Similarities: Acculturation and Assimilation

There are some characteristics common to both acculturation and assimilation stated below −

• Both acculturation and assimilation are dynamic processes.

• Both can be studies as individual processes as well as group processes.

• Direct contact is the condition common to both these phenomena. None of them can take place without getting into direct contact of one society or community with the other one.

Differences: Acculturation and Assimilation

Acculturation and assimilation are different concepts with different implications. The key differences between these two concepts are discussed below −

The process − Acculturation is a two-way process, where both cultures are changed as they interact with each other. Assimilation is a one-way process, where the minority culture adopts the practices, beliefs, and values of the dominant culture.

The outcome − The outcome of acculturation is the creation of a new culture that incorporates elements of both cultures. The outcome of assimilation is the loss of the minority culture's distinct identity and its absorption into the dominant culture.

The nature of change − In acculturation, both cultures change as they interact with each other. In assimilation, only the minority culture changes to adopt the practices, beliefs, and values of the dominant culture.

The motivation − Acculturation occurs voluntarily when two cultures interact with each other. Assimilation can be voluntary or forced, depending on the context.

Characteristics	Acculturation	Assimilation
Differences	“The distinction is based on the difference between culture and society and, accordingly, acculturation refers mainly to the newcomers’ adoption of the culture {i.e., behavior patterns, values, rules, symbols etc.) of the host society (or rather an overly homogenized and reified conception of it).	Assimilation, on the other hand, refers to the newcomers’ move out of formal and informal ethnic associations and other social institutions into the nonethnic equivalents accessible to them in that same host society”
Definition	“Acculturation … definitely is a bidirectional process, that is, it is a two-way, reciprocal relationship” (Teske, Nelson 358).	“Assimilation implies an essentially unilateral approximation of one culture in the direction of the other” (Teske, Nelson 363).
Acceptance	Acceptance from the outgroup is not a requirement of acculturation.	In assimilation it is necessary to be accepted by the out-group
Dependence	Acculturation is independent of assimilation	Assimilation is dependent on acculturation. Assimilation cannot take place without acculturation being in place.

Conclusion

In conclusion, acculturation and assimilation are two concepts that are often used interchangeably but have different meanings and implications. Acculturation is the process of two cultures coming into contact and exchanging ideas, behaviors, and values, while assimilation refers to the adoption of the dominant culture's practices, beliefs, and values by a minority group.