What is the most important concept you learned in this course? Write this for a reader who is unfamiliar with the concept. One of the most important concepts I learned in class is the theory of assimilation. This theory is based on the adaptation that a certain ethnic group undergoes to integrate and survive in the new dominant society. For example, according to the book, the United States is known for being a predominantly white cultural society, which is why many ethnic groups from all over who choose to come to the United States often have to assimilate and adapt to the social and cultural norms. Assimilation theory affects many ethnic groups in the sense that it can change the way they behave and live in a society. Whenever another ethnic group immigrates to a place where a dominant ethnic group exists, they often must assimilate into the social, economic, and cultural behaviors and customs of the dominant group in order to survive. For example, in the United States, many minority groups from around the world have immigrated to this country and often have to go through various changes and adaptations to integrate into society and obtain citizenship of the country. These changes can be challenging for them as they must choose between their own cultural values, beliefs, and behaviors and assimilate to the cultural values ​​and customs of the United States. In the book it is stated that "their cultural ancestry is English, Scottish, Dutch and German, which constitutes the Anglo-Saxon core." Therefore, the culture that immigrants to the United States must adapt to is Anglo-Saxon culture/“American culture.” For most minorities who immigrate to the United States, one of the biggest factors affecting them is the language barrier. In the United States, English is the dominant language, many ...... middle of paper ......e in the future. It also helps me understand why there is so much diversity and how it can be both positive and negative. This is positive because when a greater variety of cultures and ethnic groups live together, it brings diversity, unity and peace. However, this can be negative in the sense that when it comes to trying to survive or "fit in", many face oppression such as inequality, racism, sexism, and are often disadvantaged, which can push them into poverty. I think assimilation theory can be useful because it can be applied to everyday life and help to better compare and understand different types of societies and the process people go through. Work cited Aguirre, Adalberto and Jonathan H. Turner. American ethnicity: the dynamics and consequences of discrimination. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.