Ethnic Assimilation Theory vs. Ethnic Competition Theory
Which do you believe in?
There are two dominant theories on the relationship between cultural knowledge and discrimination. Which do you believe in?
Ethic Assimilation Theory by Milton Gordon
In his theory of the Seven Stages of Assimilation, Gordon argues that cultural assimilation occurs first. This means that newcomers start to adopt the new society's culture and customs by reducing their own boundaries and accepting new ones. By doing so, the people counter discrimination. Generally, the assimilation theory suggests that as ethnic minority group members acquire greater knowledge of the dominant culture, become socially integrated, and experience upward social mobility they should experience greater acceptance among majority group members and perceive less discrimination.
Ethnic Competition Theory by Nathan Glazer and Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Although Glazer and Moynihan recognize that some assimilation occurs, they argue that it is important for a culture to selectively retain its original identity and cope with discrimination instead of eliminating it. Generally, higher educational attainment, increased language competency, and greater familiarity with the dominant society leads to a heightened awareness of cultural differences and thus discrimination.
Do you think that cultural awareness brings about unity or more discrimination in a society?
Post below on which you think is true and feel free to tell us why.
Which do you believe in?
There are two dominant theories on the relationship between cultural knowledge and discrimination. Which do you believe in?
Ethic Assimilation Theory by Milton Gordon
In his theory of the Seven Stages of Assimilation, Gordon argues that cultural assimilation occurs first. This means that newcomers start to adopt the new society's culture and customs by reducing their own boundaries and accepting new ones. By doing so, the people counter discrimination. Generally, the assimilation theory suggests that as ethnic minority group members acquire greater knowledge of the dominant culture, become socially integrated, and experience upward social mobility they should experience greater acceptance among majority group members and perceive less discrimination.
Become Socially Integrated
Feel More Accepted
 |
| Less Discrimination |
 |
| More Knowledge of Other People's Culture |
Ethnic Competition Theory by Nathan Glazer and Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Although Glazer and Moynihan recognize that some assimilation occurs, they argue that it is important for a culture to selectively retain its original identity and cope with discrimination instead of eliminating it. Generally, higher educational attainment, increased language competency, and greater familiarity with the dominant society leads to a heightened awareness of cultural differences and thus discrimination.
More Familiar with Dominant Society
Emphasis on Cultural Differences
Emphasis on Cultural Differences
 |
| More Knowledge of Other People's Culture |
 |
| More Discrimination |
Do you think that cultural awareness brings about unity or more discrimination in a society?
Post below on which you think is true and feel free to tell us why.
No comments:
Post a Comment