America's social order represents a history of conflict between the forces of unity and pluralism. The prevailing ideology of the evolving multi-group society has been assimilation or integration with the eventual loss of separate identity for component minority groups. Since the 1960s, however, separatism and individualism have become the most powerful sentiments expressed by minority groups. Although cultural pluralism promotes socioeconomic improvement (via legislation) and psychological gains for minority members, the problems of fragmentation and extreme competition between component minority groups could have negative consequences for society as a whole. Therefore, cultural pluralism seems to present as many problems to the society as assimilation and integration. (JCD)