Culture is viewed from a sociological perspective through presentation of a case study of social consciousness in San Francisco. Referring to the work of Milton Gordon, the author discusses two theories of social integration. The first theory of assimilation is defined as a process of social and psychological adherence to a core society. The second theory of pluralism is defined as a compounding of different activities and values to make up a group spirit. The enculturation of people in San Francisco is discussed in terms of four composite psychological characteristics--concern, tolerance, internationalism, and pluralism. These characteristics are related to the social process factors of immigration, minority assimilation, ethnic communality, and economic predominance. Vietnamese immigrants are an example of a group which is assimilated linguistically, racially, and sociopolitically into Asian- and French-speaking groups in San Francisco. Reasons given for this assimilation include the desirability of joining a thriving and self-sustaining cultural group, the wish to share linguistic and cultural preferences, and common values. The differences between identification assimilation and enculturation are described. The need for further research into the coexistence of cultures in pluralistic settings is noted. References are included. (Author/DB)