Cultural assimilation

Definition

Cultural assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, values, and practices of another culture, often resulting in a loss of their original cultural identity. This term is crucial in understanding the interactions between indigenous peoples and colonial powers, as it often reflects the broader dynamics of power, resistance, and identity change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural assimilation often occurred through policies implemented by colonial powers that aimed to 'civilize' indigenous populations by promoting European customs and lifestyles.
2. The establishment of missions played a significant role in cultural assimilation by introducing Christianity and European agricultural practices to indigenous peoples.
3. Resistance to cultural assimilation was evident during events like the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, where indigenous groups fought back against oppressive colonial systems.
4. Federal Indian policies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries aggressively promoted cultural assimilation, including education systems that discouraged Native languages and traditions.
5. The impact of cultural assimilation is still visible today, as many Southwestern tribes navigate the balance between preserving traditional practices and adapting to modern society.

Review Questions

• How did cultural assimilation manifest in the interactions between indigenous groups and colonial powers in the Southwest?
  • Cultural assimilation in the Southwest occurred primarily through the imposition of European customs by colonial powers, such as the Spanish missions. These missions aimed to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity while also encouraging them to adopt European agricultural practices and lifestyles. As a result, many indigenous communities faced pressure to abandon their traditional beliefs and customs, leading to significant changes in their cultural identities.
• Analyze the effects of federal Indian policy on the cultural assimilation of Southwestern tribes in the late 19th century.
  • Federal Indian policy during this period was heavily focused on cultural assimilation through various means such as education and land allotment. The Dawes Act aimed to break up communal tribal lands into individual plots, promoting private property ownership similar to European American practices. Schools established under these policies often forbade Native languages and traditional practices, further eroding indigenous cultures. The overarching goal was to integrate Native Americans into mainstream American society, often at the expense of their unique identities.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of cultural assimilation on contemporary Southwestern tribes and their traditional arts.
  • The long-term implications of cultural assimilation on contemporary Southwestern tribes are profound. Many tribes have struggled to retain their traditional arts and crafts due to pressures from external cultures and economic changes. While some efforts are underway to revitalize these traditions, such as community programs focusing on art education and language preservation, the lasting effects of past assimilative practices pose challenges. The struggle for identity continues as tribes work to balance modern influences with efforts to preserve their heritage.

Related terms

Acculturation: Acculturation refers to the cultural change that occurs when two cultures come into contact, often involving the adoption of some aspects of one culture by another while still retaining distinct cultural identities.

Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often involving the settlement of colonizers and the exploitation of resources, leading to significant cultural changes for the indigenous populations.

Indigenous Identity: Indigenous identity encompasses the cultural, spiritual, and social characteristics that define indigenous groups, often threatened by processes like cultural assimilation.