Integration vs. Assimilation

Integration and assimilation are related concepts in how individuals or groups adapt to new communities. Integration involves participating fully in society while maintaining aspects of one's original culture, fostering mutual respect and diversity. Assimilation refers to adopting the dominant culture's norms and practices, often leading to blending in completely, sometimes at the expense of one's original identity. Essentially, integration encourages coexistence and cultural exchange, whereas assimilation emphasizes becoming indistinguishable from the mainstream. Both processes influence how newcomers adjust, but integration tends to promote diversity, while assimilation emphasizes uniformity.