Cultural Processes: Assimilation, Multiculturalism, and Diffusion (9A) - MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

Low identification with both heritage and dominant cultures. Results in cultural isolation and identity confusion.

Cultural change from sustained contact between groups. Occurs when different cultural groups interact over time.

Learning one’s native culture; not change from intercultural contact. Happens during childhood within one's own cultural group.

Multiculturalism ("salad bowl" model). Preserves distinct cultures without forced blending.

Marginalization. Loses connection to both cultural identities.

Separation. Maintains heritage while rejecting mainstream.

Assimilation. Complete adoption of new culture, abandoning old.

Integration (biculturalism). Maintains both cultural identities equally.

Diffusion is neutral spread; appropriation is adoption with power imbalance. Appropriation exploits marginalized cultures.

Assimilation imposed by policy or coercion rather than choice. Often targets indigenous or minority populations.

Coexistence and valuing of multiple cultures within one society. Promotes cultural diversity as societal strength.

Groups blend into a shared culture; distinctiveness decreases. Creates homogeneous culture through blending.

Groups coexist while retaining distinct cultural identities. Maintains diversity like ingredients in a salad.

Spread of cultural traits (ideas, norms, practices) between groups. Occurs through migration, trade, media, and contact.

Assimilation implies loss of heritage culture; acculturation is broader. Acculturation includes all adaptation strategies.

Adoption of dominant culture with reduced distinct original culture. Process where minorities lose original identity to fit mainstream society.

Maintaining heritage culture while participating in the dominant culture. Balances both cultures without losing either identity.

Assimilation into a shared, blended mainstream culture. Metaphor for cultures blending into one homogeneous mix.

Multiculturalism with distinct cultural identities maintained. Metaphor for cultures coexisting while keeping unique traits.

Learning one’s native culture through socialization. Process of acquiring one's own culture from birth.

Assimilation implies loss of distinct culture; acculturation implies exchange/adaptation. Assimilation replaces culture; acculturation adds to it.

Adopting the dominant culture and reducing distinct minority practices. Process where minorities abandon their culture for the majority's.

Coexistence of multiple cultures with maintenance of distinct identities. Promotes cultural diversity while ensuring equal participation.

Spread of cultural traits from one group or society to another. Cultural elements transfer through contact, trade, or migration.

Maintaining heritage culture while participating in the dominant culture. Balances heritage preservation with mainstream engagement.

Adoption of an underlying idea without adopting the exact original form. Core concept inspires local variations, not exact copies.

Maintaining heritage culture while avoiding the dominant culture. Preserves original culture by limiting mainstream contact.

Low involvement in both heritage culture and dominant culture. Results from rejection by both cultural groups.

Blending elements of different cultures into a new, hybrid form. Syncretism results from cultural diffusion where elements from multiple cultures merge, forming innovative hybrid practices or beliefs unique to the blending context.