Assimilasjon vs. Integration: Key Differences

In the discussion of culture diversity and immigration, assimilasjon and integration are two likely terms to hire. They are sometimes used interchangeably, but they really are quite different approaches to the way in which the minority groups engage with the remainder of the population. The main distinction between assimilasjon and integration is what all those concerned with the modern society and cultural coexistence need to understand.

What is the meaning of Assimilasjon?

Assimilasjon is a process according to which some minority group is progressively abandoning its culture or language or identity to fit perfectly the set of guidelines of the majority. By assimilation, the minority is supposed to identify with the majority so much such that their original cultural differences get washed away.

The assimilation can take the form of the immigrants forgetting their mother tongue, speaking only the mainstream language, assimilating to different dressing, or the removal of traditions.

In language studies, a more technical meaning of assimilasjon is the manner in which sounds interact within speech (such as when a consonant alters in pronunciation as a result of neighboring sounds). Same in social and political threads, where the term is commonly associated with adaptation in culture and society.

What is the Meaning of Integration?

On the other hand, integration means immigrants join the rest of the society but they retain their cultural characteristics. Instead of assimilation, integration makes it possible to strike a balance: individuals integrate into society and make a financial and social contribution to it, but retain their customs and languages.

A good illustration of integration is the scenario when immigrants pick up the language of the majority population, join the community but at the same time observe their own cultural holidays and transmit them to the future generations.

The major differences between assimilasjon and integrations are as follows.

Although the two terms mean the same thing, their schools of thinking are contrasting:

Assimilasjon:

• The minorities are required in this strategy to renounce their culture.
• Concentrates on being just like the majority.
• Frequently leads to losing arrangements, language and individuality.

Integration:

• Enables minorities to retain their culture.
• Promotes the adaption of one another between the majority and the minority.
• Causes diversity and cultural enrichment.

Advantages and Disadvantages to Assimilasjon

Pros:

• Creates a common culture and language which can make the communication easier.
• This might result to minorities being accepted faster in the mainstream society.

Cons:

• Can lead to the cultural identity and traditions being forgotten.
• Whether it is just conforming to become natural or adaptation, it sometimes feels like forced conformity in the case of the latter as opposed to natural adaptation in the former.
• Heightens the possibility of alienation and generation loss of heritage.

The Pros and cons of Integration

Pros:

• Encourages differences and multiculturality.
• acknowledges and maintains minority identities.
• Connects people across the cultural lines

Cons:

• This may end up in parallel societies given that there is an ineffective management of integration
• You need both an active contribution and openness in the majority and in the minority groups.

Why the Debate is Important

Thoughts on assimilasjon versus integration can be of great currency in the modern globalised society. Immigration and cultural diversity still pose as a challenge to countries on what is the best way to handle it. Is it intended to be perfect uniformity, or are differences to be considered powers?

Relatedly assimilasjon was in the past regarded as the norm, particularly in the 19th century and early 20th century. The integration strategy is perceived to be the most desirable approach today. There are arguments concerning how successfully integration can be conducted without erecting divisions.

Conclusion

These are the significant differences between assimilasjon and integration: The fundamental distinction between the two is with regard to how they treat cultural identity. Assimilasjon expects individuals to renounce their culture to assimilate among majority, whereas integration enables people to be included in the society without sacrificing their backgrounds. A society that appreciates such differences can formulate superior equality, respect, coexistence policies. Ultimately the decision is that of what kind of a future we desire.