What describes the social process of absorbing one cultural group into the mainstream culture?

Assimilation accurately describes the social process in which one cultural group is absorbed into the mainstream culture. This process involves individuals or groups from minority cultures adopting the traits and behaviors of the dominant culture, often leading to a loss of their original cultural identity.

Historically, assimilation has been evident in various contexts, such as the experience of immigrant groups in the United States who adapted to American customs, language, and social norms over generations. This can include changes in dress, language, and social practices as individuals seek to integrate into the broader society.

The concept contrasts with other terms, such as integration, which refers to the incorporation of individuals from different backgrounds in a way that maintains their unique cultural identities while participating in the larger society. Segregation, on the other hand, involves keeping groups apart, often resulting in a lack of interaction and exchange between different cultural groups. Elimination refers to the removal or destruction of a cultural group, which is distinct from the process of assimilation that seeks to absorb rather than eradicate.