Directions

Question

Read the instructions for this self-checked activity. Type in your response to each question, and check your answers. At the end of the activity, write a brief evaluation of your work.

Activity
In this activity, you will strengthen your understanding of the cultural diversity of the United States and Japan.

Part A
The CIA World Factbook lists information about all of the world’s countries. On this page about the United States, go to the “People and Society” section and read about the different ethnic groups in the country. Then answer the following questions.

What are the main ethnic groups in the United States and their percentage of the population? What languages are spoken in the United States, and what are those percentages?

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Part B
Now go to the Japan page of the CIA World Factbook. Read the “People and Society” section to learn about Japan’s social groups. Then answer the following questions.

What are the main ethnic groups in Japan and their percentages? What languages are spoken in Japan, and what are those percentages?

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Part C
Based on your research and what you learned in the lesson, is the United States or Japan the more multicultural society? Explain your answer using details from your research.

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Part D
Immigrants often have widely different experiences in society. Society also responds to them in different ways. Go to the Library of Congress website Immigration and Relocation in U.S. History and read about people who have immigrated to the United States. Think about the pros and cons of a multicultural society. How do the experiences of the people in these interviews show those pros and cons? Write a short essay on the pros and cons of immigration. Cite specific information you have found. You can also use the CIA World Factbook for additional research.

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000
Self-Evaluation
How did you do? Rate your work on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 as the highest score. Then write a brief evaluation of your work. Note what you learned and what challenged you.

Space used (includes formatting): 0 / 30000

Answer 1

Part A

Main Ethnic Groups in the United States:

1. White: approximately 76.3%
2. Hispanic or Latino: approximately 18.5%
3. Black or African American: approximately 13.4%
4. Asian: approximately 6.1%
5. American Indian and Alaska Native: approximately 1.3%
6. Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: approximately 0.2%
7. Two or more races: approximately 2.8%

Languages Spoken in the United States:

1. English: approximately 78.2%
2. Spanish: approximately 13.5%
3. Other Indo-European languages: approximately 3.7%
4. Asian and Pacific Island languages: approximately 2.6%
5. Other languages: approximately 2.0%

Part B

Main Ethnic Groups in Japan:

1. Japanese: approximately 98.5%
2. Koreans: approximately 0.5%
3. Chinese: approximately 0.4%
4. Other ethnic groups: approximately 0.6%

Languages Spoken in Japan:

1. Japanese: 100%

Part C

Based on my research, the United States is a more multicultural society compared to Japan. The U.S. is characterized by a wide variety of ethnic groups and languages, reflecting its history of immigration and diversity. With over 18% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino and a significant portion speaking Spanish, the United States embodies a melting pot of cultures. In contrast, Japan is ethnically homogeneous, with approximately 98.5% of its population being Japanese, and operates with a single predominant language. This homogeneity influences social dynamics, where cultural diversity is less pronounced than in the U.S., making the latter society more multifaceted in terms of cultural expression and ethnic relationships.

Part D

Pros and Cons of Immigration:

Pros:

1. Cultural Enrichment: Immigration brings various cultures, traditions, and perspectives, enriching the social fabric of society. As described in interviews at the Library of Congress, many immigrants share their customs, which fosters understanding and appreciation among different communities.

2. Economic Contributions: Immigrants often fill labor shortages, contribute to economic growth, and create jobs. Many interviewees express how their skills and entrepreneurial spirit have positively impacted local economies.

Cons:

1. Social Tension: Some interviews highlight the challenges of integration, where immigrants face discrimination or struggle to adapt to a new society. This can lead to social rifts and a sense of division among communities.

2. Resource Allocation: A common concern raised in interviews is the pressure on public resources, such as education and healthcare. Some respondents feel that an influx of immigrants can strain these systems, leading to conflicts over resource distribution.

In conclusion, while immigration enriches societies with diversity and economic contributions, it can also lead to challenges regarding integration and resource management. Striking a balance is crucial for fostering a harmonious multicultural society.

Self-Evaluation

I would rate my work a 4 out of 5. I was able to research thoroughly and provide detailed answers to the questions. I learned about the stark differences in cultural diversity between the United States and Japan, particularly in terms of ethnic composition and language. However, I found the comparative analysis of multicultural societies challenging, as it required me to synthesize information from multiple sources. Overall, this activity enhanced my understanding of cultural diversity and the immigration experience in both countries.