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Abstract: In this paper, I address the most influential classic assimilation theory and its alternative perspectives. With regard to this issue, this paper addresses the questions "What is assimilation and if assimilation process successful in the Unites States how come characteristics of immigrant groups carry on through the second generation and beyond?" Meanwhile, differences among these theories are going to be explained. Drawing on theories of immigration, this paper attempts to understand the questions of "what is in common among these theories or what has changed?" In addition, this paper demonstrates how important these prevailing theories are in understanding the ongoing assimilation process of second generation immigrants in the United States. Finally, the strength, limitations and weaknesses of these aforementioned theories are explained in detail.
Keywords: classic assimilation theory; second generation; the United States; straight line theory; second generation revolt; segmented assimilation theory
Immigrant groups' adaptations into dominant culture may differ from each other for a number of causes, containing the social and economic structure of the society they move in. There are many major existing theories related to the historical processes, the outcomes of adaptation of immigrants, and their children in the United States. In order to articulate the issues concerning the acculturation and assimilation processes of second generation Americans I use straight line theory, second generation revolt, segmented assimilation theory, and its variants.
Straight Line Theory
This theory is associated with Warner and Srole who proposed this in 1945. The consequences of assimilation and the acculturation process is described by the straight line theory. The main idea is that with respect to the second generation of immigrants, the social system has consistently made some improvements when comparing these with the first generation (Warner & Srole, 1945). As outlined in this theory, the second generation's families' standard of living increased. Besides that, according to the theory, second generation productively involved more status related values with reference to the upper class than the first generation. This theory appeared during a period of economic optimism and was applied by encouraging integration and acculturation of immigrants into the affluent melting pot. The concept of the Melting pot will be explained later in this review.
In addition to the above improvements, second generation immigrants experience better conditions,...