The assimilation and integration policies tend to focus on
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Forcing all citizens to adopt a uniform set of cultural values and norms.
Option (1) Accommodating heterogeneous and hybrid identity of populations. — Incorrect. Accommodating many identities is the way of a ‘state-nation’; both policies assume a single national identity.
Option (2) Adopting the symbols and heroes of minority groups. — Incorrect. They adopt state symbols celebrating the dominant group’s history and heroes.
Option (3) Forcing all citizens to adopt a uniform set of cultural values and norms. — Correct. Assimilation persuades, encourages or forces all citizens to adopt one set of values and norms, usually those of the dominant group; integration keeps all ‘non-national’ cultures out of public life.
Option (4) Decentralising powers and autonomy so that it spreads to minority groups too. — Incorrect. They centralise power and take away the autonomy of local or minority groups.
NCERT (2025-26): “Communities, Nations and Nation-States … Policies that promote assimilation are aimed at persuading, encouraging or forcing all citizens to adopt a uniform set of cultural values and norms. These values and norms are usually entirely or largely those of the dominant social group. Other, non-dominant or subordinated groups in society are expected or required to give up their own cultural values and adopt the prescribed ones. Policies promoting integration are different in style but not in overall objective: they insist that the public culture be restricted to a common national pattern, while all ‘non-national’ cultures are to be relegated to the private sphere.…”
Box 6.1 Threatened by community identities, states try to eliminate cultural diversity (part) |
