Racial and ethnic inequality has existed in American Society over centuries. Classification of individuals into different racial categories is often a social and political process rather than merely a question of biology. Race can, therefore, be defined as the treatment leveled against different members of the society because of real or perceived physical traits. For example, in the history of US political factors played a role in racial formation. The system of slavery in South America was race-based. There was perceived definition of who is Black or African Americans because Whites could not be slaves. Grouping individuals into different ethnicities are done by considering their language, nationality, and religion (Aguirre &Turner, 2011).
Assimilation theory is based on the argument that a hierarchy of racial and ethnic groups exist in the United States. Some racial and ethnic groups are better off than others in matters relating to education, housing, healthcare, and access to jobs. An example of such group is the White Anglo-Saxon Protestants who are dominant because of their technological advantage and value system of expansion (Aguirre &Turner, 2011). They were able to establish institutions such as the legal system, education, and the economy of The United States. On the other hand, groups such as Native Americans and African Americans had little role in establishing such institutions. After the 9/11 terrorist attack, questions arose about the integration and loyalty of Arabs and Muslims in the American society ( Read, 2014 ) . Ethnic and racial inequality was directed against these groups as American Citizens argued that they were anti-ethical to American ideals of democracy and egalitarianism. Muslims group was ranked second to atheists as American citizens asserted that they had a different vision of the American society ( Read, 2014 ) . Americans became fearful thus incapable of assimilating with Muslims.
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Assimilation theorists argue that groups that are in the bottom of the hierarchy can move up to the hierarchy whenever they are willing to assimilate. Assimilation involves giving up an individual's way of life and adopting the dominant group's approach to life. Assimilation occurs in three steps. The steps are; cultural assimilation, institutional affiliation, and interpersonal assimilation (Aguirre &Turner, 2011). Through Assimilation, inequality concerning racial and ethnic differences will be reduced or end. Assimilation among different groups can be hastened through education, intermarriage, providing equal social and economic opportunity, and the existence of cultural similarity among groups.
References
Aguirre, Adalberto, and Jonathan Turner. 2011 (7th ed.). American Ethnicity. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
Read, J. N. G. (2014). Gender, religious identity, and civic engagement among Arab Muslims in the United States. Sociology of Religion , 76 (1), 30-48.
