cultural assimilation

n. The processes through which members of one social group become integrated into another group. Most often this refers to adaptation to a new society by members of a minority group who immigrate. It often involves acquiring values, beliefs, ideas, behaviors, and ideas about self that enable newcomers to fit in with the majority culture. Majorities may encourage or discourage assimilation and minorities may seek it or reject it. Assimilation may occur more or less often on some dimensions (e.g., behaviors) than others (e.g., values). Assimilation is often accompanied by stress and is psychologically difficult for some immigrants.