On Segregation and Multiculturalism

There have been recent concerns about the implications of America's increasing diversity for its racial future. Given the country's long history of racial division between whites and African Americans, coupled with the addition of two large minority groups, Latinos and Asian Americans, racial segregation is likely to get worse. Aside from diversity, immigrants and the persistence of inequality among various racial groups have also been cited as threats to American society and the future of its democratic institutions. These concerns raise a number of important questions, such as whether diversity will lead to greater racial discord or foster greater racial understanding and cooperation, or whether more integrated social settings actually promote racial harmony. Advocates of multiculturalism view an integrated America as an integrated and pluralistic society, rather than a culturally homogenous one. However, the available evidence suggests that concerns about America's growing diversity or even the sources of diversity are misplaced. Instead, the real problem of race in a multiethnic United States is the continued marginalization and denigration of dark-skinned peoples.

Cultural diversity · Democracy · Development economics · Diversity (politics) · Ethnic group · Harmony (color) · Immigration · Multiculturalism · Political science · Race (biology) · Racial diversity · Racism · Sociology · Gender Studies · Law · Political Philosophy and Ethics · Religious Education and Schools · School Choice and Performance