The transmission of customs and beliefs of a particular group in the society occurs either through birth or contact with certain society with different customs and beliefs. This can either occur through acculturation or enculturation. Although they may be easily confused, they are different in several ways.

What is Acculturation?

This is the process of modifying cultural beliefs and customs of a group of people or an individual by borrowing traits from a different culture. It happens where;

• An infant gets exposed to more than one culture
• Prolonged contact with people of different cultural backgrounds

For instance, people who travel to another country for studies acquire some cultural practices.

What is Enculturation?

This is the process through which individual acquire values and norms of a culture through unconscious repetition, and is mostly see from birth. This happens through regular interaction with other people and is not forced nor deliberate. For instance, this can be seen in dressing habits whereby certain dressing habits are seen as a norm in some cultures and are not allowed in others.

Similarities between Acculturation and Enculturation

• Both are used in reference to cultural practices in the societies

Differences between Acculturation and Enculturation

Definition

Acculturation is the process of modifying cultural beliefs and customs of a group of people or an individual by borrowing traits from a different culture. On the other hand, enculturation is the process through which individual acquire values and norms of a culture through unconscious repetition, and mostly occurs from birth.

Cultures Involved

Acculturation involves two or more cultures. On the other hand, enculturation involves one culture.

Essence

While acculturation is not an essential survival requirement, enculturation is an essential survival requirement.

Results

While acculturation results in the modification of cultural practices, enculturation does not lead to modification of cultural practices.

Dominant culture

While the dominant culture influences other cultures in acculturation, any other cultural difference does not make a difference in enculturation.

Acculturation vs. Enculturation: Comparison Table

Summary of Acculturation vs. Enculturation

While acculturation is the process of modifying cultural beliefs and customs of a group of people or an individual by borrowing traits from a different culture and occurs in instances where an infant gets exposed to more than one culture or a result of prolonged contact with people of different cultural backgrounds, enculturation is the process through which individual acquire values and norms of a culture through unconscious repetition, and is mostly see from birth.

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