Words Matter
A plain-language glossary for the words that shape public life.
Political Systems & Ideologies
Government structures and political philosophies that shape how power is distributed, who makes decisions, and how authority is justified. These terms are often used loosely. This section pins down their actual meanings and explains how they function in practice.
Acculturation
Acculturation is the process of adopting elements of another culture while retaining aspects of one’s original identity. It involves selective adaptation, shaped by daily interactions and institutional expectations, and differs from assimilation because it does not require full cultural replacement.
Assimilation
Assimilation is the process through which newcomers adopt the cultural norms and behaviors of a dominant society, often reducing aspects of their original identity. It is a one-directional process, unlike integration, which allows reciprocal adaptation. Assimilation can be voluntary or shaped by social and institutional pressures.
Equity
Equity means distributing resources and opportunities based on need so people can participate fully and fairly in society. It differs from equality, which treats everyone the same regardless of starting point. Equity focuses on addressing structural barriers that create uneven access or outcomes.
Integration
The long-term process through which newcomers participate in and contribute to the social, economic, and civic life of a community. Integration involves mutual adaptation and is distinct from assimilation.
Solidarity
Solidarity describes the commitment individuals or groups have to supporting one another based on shared interests, goals, or identities. It emphasizes collective responsibility and mutual support, especially in moments of vulnerability or conflict. Solidarity strengthens social cohesion and helps communities address shared challenges.
Individualism
Individualism is a value framework that emphasizes personal autonomy, self-reliance, and independent decision-making. It prioritizes the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of individuals over the demands or claims of larger groups. Individualism shapes views about what people owe to themselves, what they owe to others, and the role of institutions in daily life.
Community
Community refers to a group of people connected by shared identity, geography, experience, or purpose. The concept emphasizes interdependence and the idea that individuals are part of larger social networks that shape their opportunities, responsibilities, and sense of belonging. Community describes both the relationships people maintain and the collective frameworks that support them.