(Never Assimilate! Acculturate As Needed, But Never Ever Assimilate!) Asian American Assimilation vs Acculturation Sooner or later every minority person faces the identity question. It comes in a variety of flavors but at its core is the assimilation vs acculturation dilemma. Whats the difference? As used by social scientists, assimilation is allowing ones original culture to be overidden by the dominant culture. Acculturation is acquiring the capability to function within the dominant culture while retaining ones original culture. The distinction seems subtle but is fraught with not-so-subtle social and psychological implications.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 22:03:38 +0000