Social policy: Module 6 concepts and analysis

Assimilation is a word which defies the simple as well as definitions that are generally accepted (de Palo, Faini and Venturini,2007).The term is used in classical sociology to imply the occurrence of a progressive change from a behavior which is more diverse to one which is less diverse. Alba and Nee (2003,p.31) however defined assimilation as the process which involves the attenuation of various distinctions on the basis of ethnic origin.An example of assimilation is the complex process through which immigrants from Mexico and other parts of the world get to be fully integrated into America, a new country which is totally new to them.

Integration

Ferguson (2008,p.3) defined social integration as a process of promoting the relations, values as well as institutions that are necessary for enabling all individuals to participate in social, political and economic life based on the foundation and principles of equal rights and opportunity as well as equity and dignity. Social integration therefore describes the process of appropriately building the institutions that are necessary for the promotion of a society for all on the basis of the principles of social justice. Social integration is therefore concerned with the process of making our societies to be more equitable. For instance the cultures of some religions have a profound influence on the dressing style in certain societies. An example is the wearing of veils at all times by women in certain middle-eastern religions.

Multiculturalism

Rex (1986) defined multiculturalism as the equality of the opportunity that exists in both the social and economic domains coupled with the respect for the rights of a given community to manage their communal and domestic affairs. Mulgan (1993) noted that it is a consequence of democratic principles as well as a policy that is put in place by the government. An example is the coexistence of Christian and Muslim cultures in as society which is predominantly Christian.

Anti-racism