Assimilation

Patterns of Racial & Ethnic RelationsProfessor Christine Monnier

What are patterns of racial & ethnic relations? Regular ways in which the dominant group treats the subordinate group(s):

AssimilationPATTERNS OF RACIAL / ETHNIC RELATIONS

Assimilation The process by which the minorities or subordinate groups take on the characteristics of the dominant group and are eventually accepted as part of it:

A + B + C = A

Conditions1. Large differences between dominant and subordinate groups;2. The dominant group refuses to accept minorities as equal;3. The minorities want to retain their own characteristics;4. The minorities are still concentrated rather than dispersed;5. The minorities are recent, with easy access to their homeland.

Levels of Assimilation - Cultural Cultural assimilation acculturation

Who? Minorities

Minorities take on the cultural characteristics of the dominant groups: Language; Customs; Clothing and appearance; Religion, etc.

Anglo-conformity

“Indian schools” (p.209)

Levels of Assimilation - Structural

Structural assimilation integration

Who? Dominant group

Minorities gain acceptance through all social institutions and their formal organizations.

Elimination of all forms of segregation (de jure / de facto).

Levels of Assimilation - StructuralElimination of all forms of discrimination (individual / institutional): Educational Economic / workplace Political / voting Health / health care Marriages / family Criminal justice Etc…

Affirmative Action

Levels of Assimilation - Biological

Biological assimilation amalgamation

Who? Dominant group

Removal of legal obstacles: anti-miscegenation law Interracial relationships / marriage bans

Obstacles in de facto residential segregation

More widespread in Mexico and Brazil than the US.

Levels of Assimilation - Psychological

Psychological assimilation

Who? Both

Change in racial and ethnic self-identification

Obstacles: Rejection by the dominant group More difficult if minority group members look

very different from the dominant group members.

Dominant group does not “see” its own ethnic identification

Biological

AssimilationIt is hard;

It is work;

It is not unilateral;

It requires as much from the dominant group as the minority;

It takes time;

Different groups assimilate at different paces.

Assimilation

Cultural Structural

PsychologicalBiological