Assimilation Theories Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where did classic assimilation theory begin from?

Based in a US context.

How did Park and Burgess (1921) define assimilation?

A process of interpenetration and fusion in which migrants adopt the norms and values of the country they migrated to.

What is Milton Gordon's (1964) assimilation into American life show?

How is classic assimilation theory criticized?

Assumes assimilation is inevitable. Is ethnocentric: white Protestant culture seen as the 'norm'. Other cultural influences are ignored. Ignores the revival of ethnicity, ethnicity now seen as a resource than a barrier. Celebration of difference in the 21st century. Signup and view all the answers

What did Glazer (1997) argue about assimilation?

The word may be dead, the concept may be disputable but its existence continues to flourish. Signup and view all the answers

How is assimilation seen as a variable outcome? (Depending on three factors)

1: Institutions, norms and values. 2: Individual actions relating to choosing one's language etc. 3: Networks, such as having 'strong' or 'weak' ties. Signup and view all the answers

According to Brubaker (2001), how is new assimilation theory different from classic assimilation theory?

Not seen as inevitable nor desirable. No longer a 'core' culture, a differentiated view. Captures the complexity of assimilation. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the 'return of assimilation' (Brubaker, 2001)?

Not a return to classic assimilation theory. Assimilation understood as a process of becoming similar, an often unintended process, focuses on generations and socio-economic processes more than culture. Signup and view all the answers

What did Warner and Srole's study find?

That assimilation was the direction all migrants were heading, although there were variations in ethnic groups. Signup and view all the answers

How did Milton Gordon (1964) define acculturation?

An ethnic group adopting the cultural patterns of the host country they migrated to. Signup and view all the answers

What did Milton Gordon (1964) argue about assimilation and culture?

Ethnic groups assimilate into the 'core culture'. Signup and view all the answers

What did Milton Gordon (1964) predict would happen as a result of assimilation?

Less discrimination, intermarriage, minorities' separate identity would decline. Signup and view all the answers

What are the seven types of assimilation that Milton Gordon (1964) identified?

Structural, cultural, marital, identity, prejudice, discrimination and civic. Signup and view all the answers

What did Brubaker (2001) mean by the shift from the transitive to the intransitive?

Assimilation as a process, not just an end result. Transitive: mouldable, changeable migrants. Intransitive: active migrants. Signup and view all the answers

According to Glazer (1993), assimilation is not ___.

a popular term. Signup and view all the answers

What was the difference between Asians and blacks in America?

Asians had higher rates of assimilation, such as intermarriage whereas blacks tended to go to majority black schools etc. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classic Assimilation Theory

Originated in the US context, focusing on the integration of migrants into American society.
Park and Burgess (1921) defined assimilation as interpenetration and fusion, where migrants adopt the norms and values of the host country.

Milton Gordon’s Contribution

Gordon (1964) outlined assimilation into American life, emphasizing its impact on ethnic identity.
Defined acculturation as the adoption of cultural patterns by ethnic groups in the host country.
Predicted assimilation would decrease discrimination and intermarriage while diminishing minorities' separate identities.
Identified seven types of assimilation: structural, cultural, marital, identity, prejudice, discrimination, and civic.

Critiques of Classical Theory

Criticized for assuming assimilation is inevitable and ethnocentric, viewing white Protestant culture as the ideal standard.
Overlooks other cultural influences and the revival of ethnic identities, which are increasingly viewed as resources rather than barriers.

Glazer’s Perspective

Glazer (1997) noted that although the term "assimilation" may be unpopular, the concept remains relevant and continues to evolve.

Variable Outcomes of Assimilation

Assimilation outcomes depend on several factors:
- Institutions, norms, and values.
- Individual choices, such as language selection.
- Types of social networks, categorized as 'strong' or 'weak' ties.

New Assimilation Theory

Brubaker (2001) introduced a differentiated view, noting that assimilation is not inevitable or desirable, capturing its complexities.
Described the 'return of assimilation' as a process of unintended similarity that focuses on generations and socio-economic factors rather than just cultural aspects.

Warner and Srole’s Study

Found that while all migrants tend toward assimilation, variations do exist among different ethnic groups.

Transition in Understanding Assimilation

Brubaker (2001) emphasized a shift from viewing assimilation as a destination to understanding it as a dynamic process influenced by active migrants.
Contrasted transitive (migrants as moldable) with intransitive (migrants as active agents) models of assimilation.

Differences in Assimilation Patterns

Notable differences in assimilation rates between Asian and Black populations in America, with Asians showing higher rates of intermarriage and integration compared to Blacks, who often attended majority-Black schools.

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Description

Explore key concepts of assimilation theories with these flashcards. Learn about the origins of classic assimilation theory, definitions from Park and Burgess, and insights from Milton Gordon. Perfect for students seeking to understand cultural integration in a US context.