In assessing the topic of integration, what should people should remain cognizant of is the existence of the minority and the dominant side. Hogg and Terry (2014) illustrated that every society is naturally premised to have the minorities and the majorities. In assessing the minority groups, what is important to note is that in many instances, they lack privileges, opportunities, access, and resources that the majority could be having at their disposal. More importantly, they are usually secluded from positions of wealth and power hence they lack the necessary resources to control their destinies. It is also critical to note that most social institutions are controlled people who serve the interests of the majority.
Therefore, it is in this regard that the ethnic minorities must focus on forming formal relations with the dominant groups as a primary way of enhancing association and consociationalism . The dominant side controls major institutions including the government, economy, and education among others. They are also known to run vital groups and organization. Therefore, for the minority side to at least enjoy some of the benefits that the dominant group has, they have to be accepted and integrated into the majority side. Acceptance can occur in two major ways including through fusion or assimilation. In fusion, the ethnic minority will be blended by the majority side hence forming a new group.
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Regarding assimilation, the majority side will urge the ethnic minority to adopt their culture. Assimilation can either be economical, socially or intimately ( Marger, 2003). Economic assimilation will ensure that the majority and minority work together hence enabling the ethnic minorities to enjoy some economic benefits including high wages. Social assimilation involves living together and is mainly characterized by a deeper sense of acceptance, tolerance, and peace. Intimate assimilation will ensure intermarriage across the ethnic divide, a factor that will further improve peace and coexistence.
References
Hogg, M. A., & Terry, D. J. (2014). Social identity processes in organizational contexts . Psychology Press.
Marger, M. (2003). Race and ethnic relations: American and global perspectives . Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
