What does assimilation often result in with respect to minority groups?

Assimilation refers to the process by which individuals from minority groups adopt the cultural traits of a dominant culture, often leading to the loss or significant alteration of their original cultural identities. This process typically involves changes in language, values, customs, and social practices, as minority members gradually integrate into the dominant culture.

The adoption of dominant culture traits can result from various factors, including social pressure, the desire for acceptance, economic opportunities, and the need for social mobility. As minority groups assimilate, they may become less distinguishable from the dominant culture, which can diminish ethnic diversity within the broader society. While some minority individuals may retain elements of their original cultures, assimilation generally emphasizes the merging into the dominant culture rather than the preservation of distinct cultural identities.

In contrast, the other options highlight circumstances that don't align with the typical outcomes associated with assimilation. Retention of original cultural identities, for instance, indicates a resistance to assimilation. Strengthening of ethnic divisions occurs when groups maintain their distinctiveness and engage in cultural or social separation rather than merging. Complete cultural isolation suggests a scenario where minority groups completely withdraw from interaction with the dominant culture, which contradicts the process of assimilation that promotes blending.