The United States is a heterogeneous community with people from different races. The native community has been in a social strife to deal with assimilating the minority groups into the society. The United States Census Bureau currently recognizes six racial groups in the county. They include the White Americans, African-Americans, Alaska Natives, Asian-Americans, and the Native Hawaii community (Brubaker, 2014). The Bureau also identifies the Hispanic and Latino as distinct minorities. Sociologists have identified different theories that can help to explain the current state of the country. Although none of the theories can be said to offer an absolute image and social situation in the United States, some of them can be singled out for their fairly comprehensive explanation of the American Community.
The Melting Point Theory
The melting point theory is used to describe a society that is trying to become more homogenous by having similar behavioral tendencies despite its members coming from the the different background. The theory best describes the American society for several reasons. America, it can be referred to as Americanization or American acculturation. The theory applies to the community in different ways. First, the African Americans form the largest minority groups. Over the years, they have been accepted into the American institutions whereby they interact with natives. Although the rule of equality of race is enshrined in the Constitution, the society through its social institutions has helped to melt the racial differences that existed between the two races (Brubaker, 2014). Also, the workforce is relatively composed of persons from different backgrounds.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Secondly, immigration has proved the melting point theory to be practical in the United States. The people who migrate into the country have been attracted to the American way of life (Brubaker, 2014). For instance, thousands of foreign learners travel to the country, and a significant number of them have opted to remain in the county for having fun the lifestyle appropriate and compatible. However, the theory has been faulted for failing to explain the inability of the Chinese to be fully integrated into the community leading to the formation of China Towns.
Assimilation Theory
Assimilation theory refers to the integration of characteristics of immigrants and the host societies which turns out to be a long-term process. The process is also said to have both social and economic dimensions. In the current society, the theory best explains the society in several ways. First immigrants have learned the American language to be in a position to communicate effectively (Gordon, 2011). For instance, foreign learners are required to undertake English classes if they have not studied it in the past. Secondly, the motivation of the immigrants in the country can be explained by the assimilation theory the general presumption is that the United States has many opportunities to offer. Those who have skills believe that they will secure employment. Also, the current administration has been vocal of banning immigrants who do not have anything to offer to the community. When they enter the country without skills, they do not contribute effectively towards economic growth (Gordon, 2011). Assimilation in the United States is referred to as a long-term process since it involves several generations. For instance, children born in the United States by immigrants find it easier to be acculturated into the American community. They gain fairly similar education levels and behavioral tendencies.
Conclusively, the American society is heterogeneous due to the vast number of people migrating into the county for various reasons. The assimilation and melt point theories have demonstrated a practical application in the current society. The racial boundaries are dissolving gradually to allow people to relate freely to social activities while those who migrate into the country contribute to the economy by learning the local practices such as language and skills.
References
Brubaker, R. (2014). The return of assimilation?Changing perspectives on immigration and its sequels in France, Germany, and the United States. In Toward assimilation and citizenship: Immigrants in liberal nation-states (pp. 39-58). Palgrave Macmillan UK.
Gordon, M. M. (2011). Assimilation in America: Theory and reality. Daedalus , 90 (2), 263-285.
