While cultural assimilation is often presented as an easy solution, it contributes to other problems and difficulties.
Often, youll hear people state that their country or city is a melting pot.
What Does the Term “Melting Pot” Mean?
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As a result, the melting pot theory has become synonymous with the process of Americanization.
Voluntary vs. Others may not have cared about assimilating, but eventually felt the urge or pressure to blend in.
Regardless of their attitude, the pressure of cultural assimilation is ever-present.
It was assumed that having everyone under one uniform belief system would eradicate intergroup rivalry for jobs and resources.
However, this point of view was eventually seen as problematic for various reasons.
Is Cultural Assimilation a Good or Bad Thing?
In contrast, they found that it negatively impacted immigrant children living in poorer locations.
Therefore, it is vital to be as nuanced as possible when discussing cultural assimilation.
Furthermore, it is essential to reconcile with the pressures minority groups face to assimilate into host nations.
For some of these individuals, assimilation may be the only means they see to succeed in society.
After all, cultural diversity can bring positive psychological and behavioral benefits.
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