What does assimilation refer to in the context of culture?

Assimilation in the context of culture refers specifically to the process by which individuals or groups from one cultural background adopt the traits, behaviors, beliefs, and values of a different, often dominant, cultural group. This can include language, customs, social practices, and more, leading to a decrease in the distinctiveness of the original culture over time.

When assimilation occurs, the minority culture may begin to lose its unique characteristics as members of that culture start to identify more with the dominant culture, often in an effort to blend in or adapt to the societal norms of their new environment. This often results in a cultural homogenization, where distinctions among cultures fade as a result of this integration.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of cultural interaction. Integration of technologies focuses on how technological advancements are incorporated, preserving ethnic minority characteristics emphasizes the maintenance of those unique traits rather than adopting new ones, and sharing of cultural artifacts underscores the exchange of cultural items while maintaining distinct cultural identities. Therefore, the core idea behind assimilation is about adopting and merging into another culture rather than preserving or sharing distinct cultural features.