The melting pot that could not melt : an academic research

Abstract EN

For ages, the American society has been known for its diverse and multi-ethnic nature.

Since the beginning of the twentieth century, sociologists exerted great efforts to investigate the American social structure.

These efforts have been triggered by the hypotheses of considering America as the dream land for all immigrants and their following generations, where all Americans are one and equal.

Therefore, these analytical efforts have begun with theorizing America as an assimilated society.

On the contrary, by the beginning of the second half of the twentieth century, those Assimilation theories had been criticized.

That critique introduced America as a society of pluralism rather than assimilation.

The 'Pluralism theory' raised more awareness of the diversity in the United States.

This theory has recognized the American society as a diverse society, which includes various Ethnic communities celebrating their Ethnic background cultures within the American identity frame.

However, this theory has ignored the Ethnic American dilemma of reaching adaption with the American other.

Thus, these suggested compound social structures have highlighted the fragmentation and alienation in the American society rather than proving the American society as a harmonious one.

As a result, these suggested theories have been proven to be myths, that could hardly be achieved in today's globalized world.