The Important Difference Between Assimilation and Integration
September 29, 2016 By Matt O'Brien 9 Comments
Statue of Liberty signpost in New York CityControversial London mayor Sadiq Khan recently toured the United States in support of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Commenting on U.S. immigration policy, Mr. Khan said, “People shouldn’t have to drop their cultures and traditions when they arrive in our cities and countries.” He also stated that he believes in “integration” rather than “assimilation.”
Mr. Khan, who is from an immigrant family, raises an interesting point. What is the difference between “integration” and “assimilation”?
Assimilation is generally defined as adopting the ways of another culture and fully becoming part of a different society. Whereas integration is typically defined as incorporating individuals from different groups into a society as equals. The difference is subtle but significant.
When immigrants assimilate, they accept the ways of their host and become a full part of the community. Assimilation implies that immigrants, through education and experience, can earn their way into the host culture and be seamlessly accepted as full members of their new community.
http://immigrationreform.com/2016/09/29/the-important-difference-between-assimilation-and-integration/
