3.8 effects of diffusion

Question 1

Acculturation

Answer 1

Acculturation
Prolonged contact between two or more cultures may result in acculturation which is when people within one culture adopt some traits from the other culture.
Example: An immigrant from Guatemala may choose to continue speaking Spanish in their home, however they will also learn English to use in public.

Question 1

Assimilation

Answer 1

Assimilation
Subtype of acculturation in which one culture abandons their original culture and adopts another culture.
Sometimes a voluntary choice, other times it is forced.
Example: Native American Boarding Schools - NAs were forced to learn English, cut their hair, change their clothing, were given new names, and abused in order to become more “American.” → cultural imperialism.

Question 2

Multiculturalism

Answer 2

Multiculturalism
The acceptance and tolerance of many different cultures which exist in close proximity to one another. Openness, acceptance, diversity.
Example: In 1971, the government of Canada established that multiculturalism is a fundamental right of all citizens and it is important for people to maintain their cultural identities.

Question 3

Syncretism

Answer 3

Syncretism
When two culture’s traits blend together and form a new cultural trait. This can happen through contact between peoples such as imperialism, military conquest, immigration or intermarriage.
Very common type is religious syncretism.
Example: The hearth of Santeria is in Cuba and was developed through the influence of African Yoruban and Roman Catholicism as a result of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.