What term describes the process of learning and adopting the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture?

The term that describes the process of learning and adopting the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture is "acculturation." This process occurs when individuals or groups from one culture adopt the language, values, customs, and norms of another, usually more dominant, culture while still retaining some aspects of their original culture. Acculturation can happen through various means such as immigration, social interaction, and education, leading to a blend of cultural practices and values.

While similar concepts exist, such as assimilation, which often implies a complete integration into the dominant culture with little to no retention of the original culture, acculturation allows for a more nuanced blending. Integration refers to the process of combining different cultural groups into a more cohesive society, while identification involves an individual aligning themselves with a group based on certain characteristics or beliefs. These terms differ in their implications and processes, making acculturation the most accurate descriptor for the learning and adoption of a dominant culture’s beliefs and practices.