assimilation
/əˌsɪməˈleɪʃən/
Definition
The forced or systematic process by which a dominant group compels a minority population to adopt its language, culture, and social norms, often resulting in the loss of the minority's distinct identity.
Etymology
The word originates from the Latin 'assimilatio,' derived from 'assimilare,' meaning 'to make like.' It entered English to describe the process of absorbing or incorporating something into a larger whole.
In the news
In this article, forced assimilation is cited by Indigenous delegates as a destructive consequence of colonial governance structures that they continue to face. It highlights the tension between state-imposed uniformity and the desire for Indigenous cultural autonomy.
Negotiating Authority: Indigenous Diplomacy Across Arctic and Global Governance
Read the full article ↗HARVARD Kennedy School - Belfer Center