What does 'assimilate' refer to in a social context?

In a social context, 'assimilate' refers to the process of absorbing fully and adopting the customs, practices, or beliefs of another culture or group as one’s own. This term often pertains to individuals or groups integrating into a different social environment, where they may adopt new cultural norms, language, or behaviors. The idea is that, through this process, the assimilating individuals become part of a larger community, shedding some of their previous cultural identifiers in favor of those of the new group.

This concept is particularly relevant when discussing immigration and cultural exchange, where individuals may choose to assimilate to become more accepted within a different society. The assimilation process can involve learning and embracing new ways of life while potentially losing aspects of one’s original culture.