ASSIMILATIONIST Meaning and
Definition
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Assimilationist is a noun that refers to an individual or a supporter of a policy that advocates for the assimilation of a minority or marginalized group into the dominant culture or society. The term is commonly used in the context of discussions about race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity.
An assimilationist believes that members of a minority group should abandon or lose their distinctive cultural, ethnic, or racial traits and fully adopt the norms, values, language, customs, and traditions of the dominant group. This perspective may argue that assimilation is necessary for social cohesion, national unity, or equality, with the belief that it leads to a reduction in tension, conflict, or discrimination among different racial or ethnic groups.
Assimilationists often advocate for policies such as promoting intermarriage between different racial or ethnic groups, encouraging education in the dominant language, discouraging the use of minority languages, and discouraging the practice of cultural customs that are perceived as different or incompatible with the dominant culture.
However, it is important to note that the concept of assimilationism can be highly controversial and divisive, as it has been criticized for disregarding or suppressing the rights, identity, and contributions of minority groups. It is often contrasted with notions of multiculturalism or pluralism, which embrace and celebrate diversity, acknowledging the value of different cultural, ethnic, or racial backgrounds and encouraging harmonious coexistence without pressuring minority groups to conform to the dominant culture.
Common Misspellings for ASSIMILATIONIST
Etymology of ASSIMILATIONIST
The word "assimilationist" derives from the verb "assimilate", which itself comes from the Latin word "assimilatus", the past participle of "assimilare". "Assimilare" combines the prefix "ad-" (meaning "to" or "toward") and "similis" (meaning "similar" or "alike"). Therefore, "assimilate" originally meant "to make similar or alike". The suffix "-ist" is added to "assimilation" to form "assimilationist", which refers to someone who advocates or implements assimilation, particularly concerning cultural or ethnic integration.
Similar spelling words for ASSIMILATIONIST
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