Assimilation refers to the process by which individuals or groups take on the culture of the dominant society, including language, values and behaviour, as well as the process by which groups are incorporated into the dominant society.
There are two models of assimilation.
1. ‘Melting point’ – This model signifies that the society is one to which all groups have contributed their values, norms, and behaviours.
2. Anglo-conformity- Implies that all groups who are not Anglo must accommodate themselves to Anglo-culture before assimilation takes place.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Assimilation theories have dominated the sociology of race and ethnic relations. Such theories suggest that the outcome of ethnic relations in society is “assimilation, which means the ultimate harmonious blending of differing ethnic groups into one homogeneous society.