Assimilasjon: Meaning, Psychology & Explaination

Quick answer

Assimilasjon is the process where individuals or groups absorb new information or cultural traits into an existing framework. In psychology, it means integrating new experiences into prior schemas. In a sociocultural context, it refers to minorities adopting traits of a dominant culture—often at the cost of their original identity.

What Is Assimilasjon? Psychology & Cultural Meaning Explained

Assimilasjon, the Norwegian term for assimilation, is a concept with deep roots in both cognitive psychology and sociocultural studies. From how our minds process new information to how minority cultures adapt within dominant societies, assimilasjon plays a crucial role in shaping both personal identity and societal structure.

This blog explores the psychological, cultural, and educational dimensions of assimilasjon. Whether you’re a student of psychology or just curious about how societies evolve, this guide will help you understand the nuances behind the term.

Let’s start by laying out the most important facts.

Key Facts Table

Psychological Assimilasjon: Understanding the Cognitive Process

What is assimilasjon in psychology?

In psychology, assimilasjon refers to how individuals incorporate new experiences into existing mental schemas. Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget introduced this concept as a key part of cognitive development.

When a child sees a zebra for the first time and calls it a horse, that’s assimilation in action—the child is applying their existing schema (horse) to a new but similar stimulus.

Assimilasjon vs Accommodation

It’s important to contrast assimilation with accommodation. While assimilation modifies the new information to fit into existing frameworks, accommodation changes the framework to better match the new data.

• Assimilation: Fit new info into old ideas
• Accommodation: Adjust old ideas to fit new info

Role in Child Development

Assimilation is a major component in Piaget’s stages of development:

• Sensorimotor (0–2 years): New objects categorized using senses.
• Preoperational (2–7 years): Expands vocabulary and labels.
• Concrete operational (7–11 years): Learns logical rules by fitting concepts together.
• Formal operational (12+ years): Applies abstract thought within existing schemas.

Cultural Assimilasjon: Integration and Identity

What does assimilasjon mean in society?

In social sciences, assimilasjon describes how minority groups gradually adopt the language, customs, and values of a dominant culture. This process can happen voluntarily or through subtle pressure.

Examples include:

• Indigenous communities adopting colonial languages.
• Immigrants changing names or religions to “fit in.”
• Minority students discouraged from speaking their native language.

Types of Cultural Assimilation

1. Linguistic assimilation
   Minority groups abandon their native language for the dominant one.
2. Behavioral assimilation
   Adopting food, fashion, or lifestyle practices of the dominant group.
3. Structural assimilation
   Full integration into institutions like schools, jobs, or politics.
4. Identificational assimilation
   Complete internalization of the new cultural identity.

Voluntary vs Forced Assimilasjon

• Voluntary assimilation is often driven by the desire to succeed or belong.
• Forced assimilation involves legal or social pressure, often with harmful effects on minority identity and mental health.

Assimilasjon in Education

Classroom assimilation examples

Teachers often encourage assimilation by promoting a “one-size-fits-all” approach:

• Celebrating only dominant culture holidays
• Ignoring multilingual abilities
• Applying uniform dress codes

Such policies may unintentionally erase cultural diversity.

Inclusive alternatives

Rather than enforcing assimilation, educators should:

• Foster multicultural classrooms
• Allow dual language instruction
• Include diverse histories and literatures

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assimilasjon

Benefits

• Easier social mobility
• Increased communication and economic participation
• Enhanced cooperation and shared identity

Drawbacks

• Loss of cultural heritage
• Internal conflict or shame within minority individuals
• Generational divide between those who assimilate and those who resist

Real-World Examples of Assimilasjon

1. Norwegianization Policy
   Indigenous Sami people in Norway were pressured to adopt Norwegian language and culture—a classic example of forced assimilation.
2. American Melting Pot
   Immigrants from around the world adopted English and American norms, but often at the expense of their native customs.
3. France’s Secularism Laws
   Bans on religious symbols in schools pressure students to assimilate into a secular identity.

Modern-Day Relevance of Assimilasjon

Today, assimilation is a hot-button issue tied to:

• Immigration policy
• Multiculturalism vs nationalism
• Identity politics

While some view assimilation as a path to unity, others advocate for pluralism, where cultures coexist without merging.

Modern societies are increasingly shifting toward integration rather than full assimilation, promoting both diversity and shared values.

Conclusion

Assimilasjon is a complex concept with both positive and negative aspects. In psychology, it helps us grow and learn. In society, it raises important questions about identity, diversity, and belonging.

FAQs