integration
in-tuh-GRAY-shuhn
/ˌɪn.tɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/
The bringing of equal opportunities and social participation to different ethnic or cultural groups, combining them into a unified, harmonious society without requiring the loss of distinct identity.
Positive normative concept emphasizing mutual respect, equal civil rights, and two-way adaptation.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'integer', meaning whole or untouched, integration is the act of restoring something to a complete, undamaged state by bringing missing parts together into harmony.
Word relationships
- incorporation: 'Incorporation' implies uniting elements into a structured whole, often focused on legal or administrative inclusion.
- unification: 'Unification' implies forming a single political unit rather than harmonious multi-ethnic participation.
- segregation: 'Segregation' forces groups to live and function separately.
- marginalization: 'Marginalization' pushes a group to the edges of society, denying them participation.
Commonly confused with
- assimilation: 'Integration' creates a mosaic where individual cultures remain visible; 'assimilation' creates a uniform blend.
Word family
- integrate (verb): To combine one group or thing with another so that they become a whole.
- integrated (adjective): With various parts or aspects linked or coordinated.
Collocations
- social integration
- economic integration
- cultural integration
- successful integration
Example sentences
- "Effective social integration programs support language acquisition while celebrating multicultural heritage." Public policy
- "Economic integration allowed rural tribal artisans to reach global markets without leaving their villages." Economic study
Memory hook
INTEGRATE makes an INTEGER—a WHOLE complete number made of distinct parts. Make whole without breaking the pieces.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for forced cultural blending or total erasure of minority customs.
Fun facts
- In mathematics, 'integration' calculates the total whole area under a curve by adding together infinitely small individual slices.
Related words
Explore more words
integrate, synergize, synergy, onboarding, onboard, collaboration
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