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Difference Between Acculturation and Enculturation
Acculturation and enculturation are two concepts that explain how an individual adapts to new cultures. Although these terms may seem similar, they differ significantly in their meaning and application. Acculturation refers to the process of adopting the practices and values of a dominant culture while maintaining some aspects of one's original culture.
Enculturation, on the other hand, refers to the process of learning and internalizing cultural norms, values, and beliefs from the society one was born into. This essay will explore the differences between acculturation and enculturation and explain why it is essential to understand these concepts.
What is Acculturation?
Acculturation is a process that occurs when individuals come into contact with a dominant culture that has a significant influence on their behavior, attitudes, and values. Acculturation can occur when two cultures come into contact, such as when immigrants move to a new country or when a group of people adopts a new way of life.
In the process of acculturation, individuals adapt to the dominant culture while maintaining their own cultural identity. For example, a person who moves to a new country may learn the language, dress, and adopt some customs of their new culture, while still keeping some aspects of their original culture.
What is Enculturation?
Enculturation is the process of learning and internalizing cultural norms, values, and beliefs from the society one was born into. Enculturation starts at birth and continues throughout life. It involves learning the language, customs, traditions, and values of one's own culture. For example, children learn language from their parents and peers, and they learn cultural values through socialization. Enculturation shapes individuals' behavior, attitudes, and beliefs and forms the basis of their identity.
Differences: Acculturation and Enculturation
One of the significant differences between acculturation and enculturation is the direction of the cultural influence. In acculturation, the influence is from the dominant culture to the minority culture, whereas in enculturation, the influence is from the individual's own culture. Acculturation is often associated with migration or immigration, where people move to a new country and adopt new practices and customs. Enculturation, on the other hand, occurs when an individual is born and raised in a particular culture.
Another difference between acculturation and enculturation is the extent of change that occurs. In acculturation, individuals may adopt some aspects of the dominant culture, but they may still retain some aspects of their original culture. In contrast, enculturation results in a more profound and fundamental change in an individual's beliefs, attitudes, and values. Enculturation shapes an individual's worldview, while acculturation only influences certain aspects of an individual's behavior and practices.
Characteristics |
Acculturation |
Enculturation |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
Acculturation is the process of modifying cultural beliefs and customs of a group of people or an individual by borrowing traits from a different culture. |
Enculturation is the process through which individual acquire values and norms of a culture through unconscious repetition, and mostly occurs from birth. |
Cultures Involved |
Acculturation involves two or more cultures. |
Enculturation involves one culture. |
Essence |
Acculturation is not an essential survival requirement. |
Enculturation is an essential survival requirement. |
Results |
Acculturation results in the modification of cultural practices. |
Enculturation does not lead to modification of cultural practices. |
Dominant culture |
The dominant culture influences other cultures in acculturation. |
Any other cultural difference does not make a difference in enculturation. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, acculturation and enculturation are two concepts that describe the ways individuals adapt to new cultures. Acculturation occurs when an individual adopts some aspects of a dominant culture while maintaining some aspects of their original culture. Enculturation occurs when an individual learns and internalizes the norms, values, and beliefs of their own culture.
Understanding the differences between these two concepts is essential because they have significant implications for individuals' identity and behavior. Acculturation may cause individuals to feel a sense of cultural conflict or identity crisis, while enculturation forms the basis of an individual's identity and worldview.
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