Benefits of cultural integration into a society
"Question: Can you describe the benefits of migrants integrating into society?"
SUMMARY: Professor John Berry from the University of Wellington, begins the interview by explaining the basic concept of integration--when one is engaged in multiple societies while maintaining, keeping, and expressing their heritage culture while participating in the larger society. Ultimately, allowing for multiple cultures to be involved in a given society. Professor Berry then continues to explain ways in which this concept makes for a more positive psychological and social outcomes. An example given is, people involved in multiple cultures have an opportunity to gain resources from two or more cultures and expand their horizon. Individuals also have the opportunity to grow by learning multiple languages and ultimately, will perform better in a multicultural context than those who do not engage in cultural integration.
ANALYSIS: As immigrants enter U.S., cultural integration is a obvious and significant aspect of society. The demographic of citizens in the United States becomes more intermixed and achieves a “melting pot” effect. Therefore, more people have the opportunity to become directly engaged in two or more societies, specifically second generation immigrants. Like mentioned throughout the interview, Professor Berry gave some examples of the benefits of integrated societies; this includes the wide array of opportunities given to those involved in multiple cultures. This is a concept that has been present in the U.S. since the beginning of this nation--given that the majority of the population is not derived from native American origin. Throughout history, integration has shaped American society, determining how individuals learn, eat, worship, celebrate, and respect each other in a society. Integration has the benefits of allowing citizens to respect other cultures, creating a sense of unity within a community. In addition, individuals that partake in multiple societies gain resources from multiple cultures while expanding their own horizon. Not only will individuals be more well-rounded which leads to social and economic success, but individuals will have the opportunity to experience a higher quality of life in America by being multiracial.
ANALYSIS: As immigrants enter U.S., cultural integration is a obvious and significant aspect of society. The demographic of citizens in the United States becomes more intermixed and achieves a “melting pot” effect. Therefore, more people have the opportunity to become directly engaged in two or more societies, specifically second generation immigrants. Like mentioned throughout the interview, Professor Berry gave some examples of the benefits of integrated societies; this includes the wide array of opportunities given to those involved in multiple cultures. This is a concept that has been present in the U.S. since the beginning of this nation--given that the majority of the population is not derived from native American origin. Throughout history, integration has shaped American society, determining how individuals learn, eat, worship, celebrate, and respect each other in a society. Integration has the benefits of allowing citizens to respect other cultures, creating a sense of unity within a community. In addition, individuals that partake in multiple societies gain resources from multiple cultures while expanding their own horizon. Not only will individuals be more well-rounded which leads to social and economic success, but individuals will have the opportunity to experience a higher quality of life in America by being multiracial.