Theories of Acculturation

Theories of acculturation explore how people from different cultures adapt when they come into contact. These theories suggest that individuals may adopt aspects of the new culture (assimilation), keep their original culture (cultural preservation), blend both (integration), or reject the new culture altogether (marginalization). Factors influencing these choices include personal preferences, social pressures, and the level of cultural similarity. Understanding these processes helps explain how cultural identities evolve during intercultural interactions, highlighting that adaptation can be a complex and multi-faceted experience shaped by individual and environmental factors.