Assimilation

A process of interpenetration and fusion in which persons and groups acquire the memories, sentiments, and attitudes of other persons and groups

(Alba, Richard and Victor Nee. 1997. "Rethinking assimilation theory for a new era of immigration." International Migration Review 31:828.)

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Assimilation was defined by R.E. Park and E.W. Burgess (1969) as: “a process of interpenetration and fusion in which persons and groups acquire the memories, sentiments, and attitudes of other persons and groups and, by sharing their experience and history, are incorporated with them in a common cultural life.”

References

Alba, Richard and Victor Nee. 1997. "Rethinking assimilation theory for a new era of immigration." International Migration Review 31:828.