cultural assimilation

Meaning: Cultural assimilation is the process by which a person or group adopts the language, values, and norms of a dominant culture, so that distinctive features of the original culture fade. It is driven by social pressure and the rewards of fitting in, and it often unfolds over generations. Contrasting outcomes are multiculturalism (pluralism), where cultures stay distinct side by side, and amalgamation, where groups blend into a new shared culture.

On the MCAT: Passages describe immigrant families or communities, often across generations, and ask you to classify the pattern. A family that drops its heritage language and customs illustrates assimilation; a community that keeps its traditions while joining civic life illustrates multiculturalism. Expect the melting pot versus salad bowl contrast, and note that melting pot is used for both assimilation and amalgamation, so follow the passage's description.

Common confusion: Assimilation is not the same as acculturation. Acculturation is the broader term for cultural change from contact between groups, and it can run in both directions; assimilation is one possible result. Do not confuse it with Piaget's assimilation in psychology, which means fitting new information into an existing schema.