Question

3. Explain the differences between assimilation, pluralism and multiculturalism as successive policies pertaining to cultural diversity in the US. Critically comment on the advantages and limitations of each approach.

Answer 1

Explain the differences between assimilation, pluralism and multiculturalism as successive policies pertaining to cultural diversity in the US.

Assimilation: It is the process in which a minority group or culture comes to resemble a dominant group or assume the values, behaviors, and beliefs of another group.

For example: Immigrant assimilation in the United States is a way of understanding the social dynamics of American society and it is the process that occurs spontaneously and often unintended in the course of interaction between majority and minority groups.

Pluralism: Pluralism refers to a society, system of government, or organization that has different groups that keep their identities while existing with other groups or a more dominant group.

for example: A prominent example of pluralism is 20th Century United States, in which a dominant culture with strong elements of nationalism, a sporting culture, and an artistic culture contained also smaller groups with their own ethnic, religious, and cultural norms.

Multiculturalism: Multiculturalism can be defined as a state's capacity to effectively and efficiently deal with cultural plurality within its sovereign borders. Multiculturalism as a political philosophy involves ideologies and policies which vary widely.

For example: Initially, US framed very strict policies for immigrants, blacks etc. who were entering its border.

Critically comment on the advantages and limitations of each approach.

Advantage of multiculturalism & assimilation: It may be a pleasing experience to live in the world which comprises a mixture of several cultures. Inhabitants can learn much tolerance on other ethnicities as well as customs.

Diasdvantage of multiculturalism & assimilation: It is argued that the culture of the host society tends to fade away as a result of multiculturalism.

Advantage of pluralism: Pluristic societies are more innovative.This can be a boon to the economy and culture of a nation.

Disadvantage of pulralism: Pluralistic democracies are difficult to govern.

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