Abstract This is a take-home text with questions and answers. First, assimilation and integration compared to ideology. Secondly, the transition from the 'darkening' to the 'whitening' of the Jews and what it tells us about race as a social construction.
Abstract This paper discusses the flaws inherent in the traditional concept of assimilation and acculturation. The paper explains why the weaknesses in this in the context of immigrant groups and mainstream society.
From the Paper "Traditionally, assimilation is regarded as an unidirectional, irreversible and sequential process that captures the immigrants' gradual shift away from their culture of origin to incorporate the characteristics of the dominant mainstream society over several generations. When the generation has succeeded in incorporating all the traits and cultural practices of the mainstream society, it is considered to have achieved significant progress. However, this traditional conception of assimilation and acculturation belies the dynamic quality and the different dimensions of assimilation; economic, social, cultural and political. Essentially, immigrant groups may..."
Abstract This paper provides an exhaustive review of 31 academic sources which touch upon the concepts of transnationalism, citizenship and assimilation. The paper briefly discusses the theoretical frameworks informing many of the sources, touching upon the common threads which connect various ones and which differentiate some from others, and notes how the conceptual re-drawing of concepts such as citizenship have awakened the possibility that new grounds can now be contested as minority groups seek to advance their own interests. Finally, almost as an aside, this paper briefly examines the internal controversies bedeviling the literature.
From the Paper "The following paper will briefly review the existing literature on the concepts of transnationalism, assimilation and citizenship. Specifically, the ensuing literature review explores these three concepts and points out, where appropriate, areas of concern in how the academic community has addressed each. As should become evident, citizenship is now a problematic term in large measure because the traditional political demarcations that made it easily apprehensible to the casual observer have given way to new and more complex understandings brought about by its complicated and even antagonistic interaction with the growing global phenomenon of transnationalism. "
Abstract This paper examines the processes and sub-processes of assimilation. It looks at how sociologist, Milton M. Gordon, viewed assimilation as a collection of sub-processes emphasizing three main processes: cultural;
structural; and marital assimilation. It focuses on cultural, structural, and marital assimilation between African-Americans and Mexican-Americans in Texas and New York, as represented by 1990 and 2000 figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.
From the Paper "Oppression has been a part of the patchwork of American history since the nation's inception, leading to a fairly paradoxical culture in which equality and justice are theoretically cherished at the same time they are questionably practiced, and also in which a legacy of xenophilia, or the welcoming of immigrant contributions to the larger culture, has been mixed with a seemingly contradictory legacy of xenophobia and oppression of minority and immigrant groups. As the result of this historical legacy of oppression, members of a minority group such as African-American and Mexican-American cultures may, over the course of time, internalize the low self-image of themselves that has been traditionally projected by the dominant group as a justification for its oppressive policies."
This paper evaluates the factor of home-ownership, concentrating on the areas of Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco to determine the degree of assimilation by Chinese-Americans.
Abstract This paper explains that a theory of assimilation states that home ownership trends correlates with other assimilation-related variables such as English proficiency, concentration of Chinese migrants in surrounding residential areas and other human capital indicators such as income and education level. The author points out that, while speaking English well in general elevates one's home-ownership probability, Chinese households that speak English only at home appear to be at a disadvantage relative to those that speak multiple languages in the home. The paper concludes that Chinese immigrant assimilation is not related to housing and follows a vastly different assimilation model, in both indicators and time scales, than other migrant groups.
From the Paper "The 2002 U.S. Census Bureau reported that the population that identified themselves as Chinese surpassed 2.7 million, making them the largest Asian group in the United States. The Chinese population has had a deeply rooted and often turbulent immigrant history in the U.S., as a prior exemption from anti-immigration acts ended in 1882 with the Chinese Exclusion Act specifically denying Chinese immigrants any chances of naturalization. However, with the Immigration and Nationality Act Amendments of 1965 revoked ethnic origin immigration laws. And after long decades of slow growth under tight constraints, Chinese immigration exploded and brought a new, and very different, group of immigrants to America's shores. A wave of skilled workers and family members entered the country and effectually eliminated the old quota system. As a result, the Chinese American population in the U.S. almost doubled within ten years."
Tags: ethnoburb, probability, english, correlation, theory
Abstract The paper examines how one of the central myths about Hispanic or Latino people in America is that they do not want to learn or speak English. The paper details how this myth has been disproved in many studies and statistical analyses. The paper explores how there is tension between the need and desire for assimilation and acceptance and the simultaneous pull towards the retention of culture and language; and the fear of loss of identity through the process of assimilation. The paper concludes that there is a gradual process of assimilation which is taking place among Hispanic women. However, there is also the pull towards cultural traditions, which has resulted in fewer Hispanic women than men learning English and assimilating into American culture.
From the Paper "This also points to the fact that there will a strong tendency to retain cultural language and traditions among many of the Hispanic immigrants. Furthermore, In the U.S., more than 28 million people speak Spanish at home, and about half of these people speak English less than "very well." (Rodriguez, L.) The following is an excerpt from an interview with a Hispanic woman. From a report entitled Hispanic Trends, this interview serves to illustrate the important part that language plays in the retention of culture."
Abstract This paper contends that members of the native culture themselves benefit most from their assimilation into the mainstream, and the mainstream society also benefits. The author bases his argument on his first-hand experience with the assimilation of a Navajo family living on a New Mexico Reservation. The paper points out that, for the Caucasian cultures in America, true and complete assimilation takes at least several generations and may not even be entirely possible.
From the Paper "What constitutes a benefit? Admittedly, there is some room for subjectivity here, but something obtained by an individual or group that advances its progress toward whatever goals it has or the removal of an obstruction to those goals could be considered benefits. Some of these benefits could be characterized as availability of food, healthcare, education, wealth, influence, status, artistic achievement, freedom from prejudice, etc. How these things endure from one generation to the next could also be considered a benefit. Benefits can also be prioritized according to a scale of needs and wants, i.e., acquisition of food and shelter are higher priority than say acquiring a country club membership or a famous set of Kachina dolls."
Abstract This paper explains that the "melting pot" version of the early American culture overlooks the real economic and social hardships and the immense pressures of ethnic groups to "conform" to the dominant American culture. The author points out that one of the earliest and cruelest stories of assimilation in the United States centers on the African people and their descendants who were brought to the country as slaves. The Scottish-Irish immigrant group, who spoke English and did not come as slaves, faced the challenge of religious discrimination, and the Chinese found it extremely difficult to assimilate into the mainstream culture due to their language and ethnic differences. The paper relates that the most striking example of assimilation in the early 1800s was the push to integrate Native Americans into Anglo culture; Native American children, in many cases, were taken forcibly from their homes and moved to special "schools", in which they were taught the "correct" way to speak, dress, eat, and behave, according to the dominant American culture.
From the Paper "To a great extent, the story of nineteenth century America is a story of the "others." This is because, whereas the influx of immigrants from Europe, Asia and Africa was immense in scope, the collective imagination of those Americans who viewed themselves as "real Americans" sought to bring those "others" into line with established mainstream American culture without option. Indeed, this assumption that all immigrants as well as Native Americans and African Americans must assimilate into the dominant culture was simply a given."
This paper outlines Australia's ideology behind the broad policy goals of assimilation and critically assesses its impact on the education of Indigenous Australians.
Abstract This paper discusses the inherent racism within the policies of assimilation employed by the Australian government towards the indigenous Aborigines. The paper first describes the origins and history of the policies of assimilation. The paper then discusses the stated intent of the policy to help assimilate the Aborigines into white Australian culture. The paper also describes the official policies and laws enacted by the Australian government and their effects on the Aborigines people. This paper also documents the developments in the education system for Aborigines children.
From the Paper "The time of Assimilation was a period when government documents were created posing as agents for protection and welfare of Indigenous Australians. However, they effectively aimed to strip Indigenous Australians of their identity and culture by forcing them to conform to the white values, beliefs and manner of living. This would in turn eradicate their existence as they are submerged in white culture. What this policy involved, including how it was implemented and what its original purpose was will be discussed. Followed by, an exploration of the history of Aboriginal education and the setting at the time of the implementation of the policy. During the critical assessment of the policy, there will be a debate of the effects on Indigenous education. To conclude, there will be a reflection of how things have changed and detail of our current policies and views of Aboriginal education."
Tags: government aboriginese education, policy implementation, population
Abstract This paper explores Mary Antin's assimilation into the American culture through her book, "The Promised Land". She begins the chronicle of her experiences as an immigrant in the New World. Antin did more than just adapt to America; she threw herself into it, assimilating herself so much that she could not identify with the Russian Jew she was born.
From the Paper "Mary Antin's memoir, The Promised Land chronicled her immigrant experience in the United States. She wished to use her life as a model for other American immigrants so that they could understand the literal and spiritual journey of the process to Americanization. Through a progression of events, Mary Antin assimilates herself into the American culture and sheds her Russian-Jewish identity."
Abstract This paper describes the immigration and assimilation experience of a Filipino immigrant. It details the immigrant's story from the beginning of his immigration to the United States to many years later after he has married, had children, and sent them all off to college. It also looks at how, in spite of his assimilation into American society, he maintains a strong affiliation with his Filipino heritage and culture.
From the Paper "Apart from the world wars, the seemingly prosperous image of American society to countries all over the world that are experiencing either socio-political or economic strife is an enticement for people to aspire to live in the US, and be able to realize their dreams as individuals. That is why immigrating in the US has become a common occurrence, and at present, the country is home to a mixture of cultures of immigrants, ranging from white and black Americans to the already increasing number of Asian and European immigrants."
Abstract The paper argues that the Australian assimilation policy is not only racist, but designed so indigenous people would fail at assimilation. The paper discusses the "stolen generation" and illustrates how non-indigenous Australians design policies with little real regard for indigenous Australians. The paper examines the genocide of indigenous Australians and their deaths in custody.
From the Paper "Since the European invasion until very recently, Australian government policy relating to Indigenous people has been designed and implemented by non-Indigenous people. The common justification for most policies for Indigenous Australians was that they were "for their own good" . There have been policies of "protection, assimilation, self-determination and reconciliation". It is now clear that none of these policies have actually made the conditions of Australia's Indigenous people any better than they were prior to the invasion."
Abstract The Kurds have had a long history of ethnic conflict in the middle East. This paper explores their history with a focus on attempts by other nations to self-assimilate them into different cultures. The paper also provides possible solutions to the struggles.
From the Paper "Situated at the junction between the modern West and the traditionally Islamic Middle East, lies Turkey: a country in great transition, but also dire internal conflict. Turkey, unlike other predominately Islamic countries in Asia, is on its way to establishing a legitimate democracy, a strong economy comparable to those of the West, and possibly becoming a member of the European Union. But Turkey's internal conflict stands to jeopardize everything they?ve worked for. Like the majority of states in the world, Turkey is multinational. Yet, the leaders of the country have perpetually refuted this fact. They have denied the existence of any distinct ethnic group not falling under the classification of ?Turks.? Turkey is home to an entirely different subculture of peoples called the Kurds. The Kurds consider themselves Turks, but also maintain their own ethnic identity separate from the rest of Turkey. They have their own culture, language, and history. The Kurds in Turkey have struggled for almost a century to retain their individuality, while the country of Turkey has struggled to maintain an image of freedom, democracy, and domestic stability in eyes of the Western World."
Abstract This paper looks at the Jewish American and Italian American experience, using Milton Gordon's text, Assimilation in American Life (1964), to evaluate the experiences of both groups.
Abstract This paper examines several recent major theories concerning the assimilation of the Native American Western Plains tribes in the period known as "prehistory", with an emphasis on how the perceptions of the anthropologist affect the overall study of the tribes.
