Comparative Study of Social Integration Policies for Multi-cultural Families in Korea and the United States

다문화가족을 위한 사회통합정책에 관한 한.미 비교연구

This study examined social integration policies for multi-cultural families in Korea and the United States through a literature review and internet research. Because the United States has developed and maintained its own culture, this was an appropriate country to compare to Korea in terms of social integration policy. There were four main results. First, both countries enforce assimilation policies for multi-cultural families. Second, most social integration programs and services for multi-cultural families in Korea are carried out by the Multi-cultural Family Support Centers, which are supported by the national and local governments in Korea. However, because the U.S. government has preserved a laissez-faire approach to policies for immigrant families, there are no government-based support centers for multi-cultural families in the United States. Third, both countries focus on the assimilation of multi-cultural families. Nevertheless, the U.S. government promotes a balance between ethnic identity and U.S. citizenship. Fourth, the U.S. government strongly supports second-generation education and development programs that recognize the second generation as a human resource for the future of society. In summary, even though there were some cultural differences between the two countries, the United States' assimilation policies based on ethnic identity would be useful for Korean integration policies. In addition, it is very important to offer opportunities for mutual integration in everyday life between Korean families and multi-cultural families.