Chapter Thirteen
The Future of Racial and Ethnic Relations in the United States
In Retrospect
Three generation process
Very few Minority groups have reach full Anglo conformity assimilation
in the expected time
Traces of ethnic group identity can serve as group revival or mobilization
Forecasts should take into consideration levels of merger and time
periods
General Conclusions
The shift from agrarian to industrial has had it extremely difficult
for ethnic groups to maintain a centrifugal relationship with the majority
First and second generations generally move toward assimilation
Third and subsequent generations may show an interest in revitalizing
their ethnic heritage
Continued existence of racial and ethnic groups may pose a treat
to national unity
The most pressing problem is the failure to afford equal opportunity
to every American who desires it, which demands reducing prejudice and
discrimination
Questions to Consider
Will non-White groups eventually be melted into the dominant
society?
Will some form of pluralism be accepted by all groups, even Anglo
Americans?
Is equal opportunity for those who want it the most pressing problem?
