Which of the following best defines "assimilation" in a cultural context?

In a cultural context, assimilation involves the complete adoption of the practices, values, and norms of another culture, often resulting in the loss of one's original cultural identity. This process typically occurs when individuals or groups from a minority culture absorb the dominant culture, leading to significant changes in their lifestyle and behavior. The focus is on conformity to the dominant culture's way of life, which may involve abandoning many aspects of one's own heritage.

This concept contrasts with other cultural phenomena. Adaptation, as mentioned in one of the incorrect options, implies that individuals can modify and integrate new customs without entirely giving up their original ones, which is not the case in assimilation. Similarly, blending distinct cultures results in a fusion that acknowledges both cultures, rather than the complete takeover characteristic of assimilation. Finally, maintaining one’s cultural identity in a diverse society represents a resistance to the pressures of assimilation, affirming one’s own cultural background rather than merging with a dominant one.