Assimilation Quote by Norbert Elias
“Perhaps I should say that in general there are three solutions to such a situation. I mean not only in Holland, but everywhere where there are minority groups: in America, in Vietnam with the Chinese. Everywhere there is the same problem. But there are fundamentally three, actually only two possible solutions. A possible solution is that the despised minority is able to establish its own state somewhere else. The other solution is a higher or lesser degree of assimilation. And the third possibility, which is not a solution at all, is the permanence of the tension and conflict over time.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Civilizing Process, Norbert Elias, 1939
Elias outlines three approaches to minority issues: creating a separate state, assimilating, or enduring ongoing tension, noting the last is not a true solution.
In simple terms: Minorities can form their own state, assimilate, or stay in perpetual conflict.
Key Takeaway
Seek sustainable integration or autonomy.
Themes
minority rights
conflict resolution
assimilation
statehood
social tension
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
academic
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- international negotiations
- community building
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
political science
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- Which solution best balances rights and stability?
- What are the risks of forced assimilation?
A Different Perspective
Permanent tension can perpetuate instability and suffering.
![“[I]nclusion, not assimilation, should be the key concept in seeking, ever seeking, a more perfect national union. Our own history has shown that we are stronger as a mosaic than a melting pot. Our nation is bound together more by ideals than by blood or land, and inclusion is in our cultural DNA…” quote by Dan Rather](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab3/dan-rather-2779_inclusion_i-nclusion-not-assimilation-should-be-th_105214.jpg)
