Final answer:
The correct answer is D) Assimilation, which is the process where a minority group or individual adopts the characteristics of the dominant culture. Assimilation may result in the loss of cultural identity but can also lead to the creation of new, syncretic cultural forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that fills in the blank for the question 'In a case of _______, a culture group undergoes major modifications in its own identifying traits by adopting some or all of the characteristics of another, dominant culture.' is D) Assimilation. Assimilation is the social and cultural process by which an individual or group from one culture starts to merge and blend into the dominant culture of another group. This often includes adopting language, dress, values, and social norms.
Assimilation can occur voluntarily or involuntarily. It may happen as part of seeking socioeconomic benefits or it may occur under pressure to conform. This process has a historical context in many countries, especially with immigration patterns. For example, in the United States, assimilation has been a significant aspect of its immigration history. Migrants from various backgrounds have come to adopt aspects of American culture over time, sometimes losing parts of their original cultural identities in the process.
However, assimilation is not without its complexities. There can be psychological effects associated with adapting to a new culture, such as identity confusion or loss. Socially, it can lead to a reduction in cultural diversity and contribute to a monolithic social landscape. Adaptation and the hybridization of cultures can also lead to syncretic cultural elements, as seen in the creation of new religions or fusion cuisines that combine elements from disparate cultures.