Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What is the definition of acculturation in cultural studies?

1. Resistance to cultural change

2. The adoption of a culture's practices by another culture

3. The complete replacement of one culture by another

4. The preservation of original cultural practices

The correct answer is: The adoption of a culture's practices by another culture

Acculturation refers to the process through which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the practices, behaviors, or beliefs of another culture, often while still retaining elements of their original culture. This process usually occurs when there is close interaction between different cultures, such as through migration or colonization. The focus is on the exchange of cultural traits rather than an outright replacement, which emphasizes that cultures can influence each other without one completely dominating the other. In cultural studies, this concept is significant because it highlights dynamic processes of cultural change and adaptation, reflecting how societies evolve and interact over time. Acculturation can lead to new cultural forms and practices as different groups merge their ideas and traditions. This makes it distinct from ideas of resistance, complete replacement, or preservation, which emphasize different dynamics or outcomes in cultural interactions.