Social Integration

To reconcile these differences, consensus efforts that lead to social integration are needed. Of course, this is intended so that all the differences that exist can be side by side.

Conflict is often interpreted as a social phenomenon that is present in every aspect of people's lives. This phenomenon can occur at any time and anywhere. Likewise, with Social Integration that will be present in the community at any time and anywhere.

Definition of Social Integration
Social Integration is a term that consists of two words namely Integration in English "integration" which means overall or perfection, while Social is a reciprocal relationship of actions carried out by the community.

So it can be concluded that this Social Integration means to get along in different layers of society in such a way so as not to see differences, but the unity or the whole becomes visible.

The steps taken by the people here are naturally derived from the existence of social phenomena in relation to desires and expectations.

If social phenomena and desires cannot be realized, then these social problems will arise which will eventually lead to conflict or integration within the community.

Definition of Social Integration According to Experts
Not only the definition of Social Integration in general, but there are definitions of Social Integration expressed by experts, namely:

• Kun Maryati and Juju Suryawati, Social Integration is the process of adapting various elements in the community to create unity. These different elements can include differences in social position, race, ethnicity, religion, language, habits and much more.
• Idianto Muin, Social Integration is the process of adapting between various elements in social life.
• Gillin, Social Integration is part of a series of social processes that arise because of differences, whether in terms of culture, emotions, physical or behavior.
• Banton, Social Integration is a relationship model that recognizes racial differences in society but does not attach importance to these racial differences.

Characteristics of Social Integration

In general, there are several characteristics that indicate social integration in an area, as follows:

• There is a similarity or unity that is built on the basis of one's will, not on the basis of commitment or coercion.
• The emergence of the same views among people who are inspired by the existence of the same values.
• The emergence of similarities in the orientation of the work carried out by the community.
• Has the same goal and refers to obsessed ideological principles.

The Process of Social Integration
In social life, there must be friction between individuals and groups that trigger social symptoms, social change or even social conflict.

This, of course, can be overcome through a process of social integration to unite individuals and groups with different understandings. The following is a process of social integration, which is:

1. Interaction Process

The interaction process is the first process in an effort to build partnerships, marked by positive trends and intentions that have the potential to become joint activities.

2. The Identification Process

This identification process occurs when each party can openly accept the existence of the other party as a whole. Identification Process is basically a process to understand various characters, backgrounds, and interests of other parties.

3. Cooperation

Charles H. Cooley stated that collaboration can occur if each of the parties involved is aware that they have a common interest.

At the same time, they have high enough knowledge and self-control to realize the common interest by establishing cooperative relations.

If this is understood by each party, the integration process will be simpler because each party is ready to open up to positive cooperation.

4. Accommodation Process

Accommodation can be seen as a step towards resolving disputes without destroying the opposing party. In this process, each party will try to realize an agreement to achieve the goal by not harming the other party.

5. Assimilation Process

In this case, the process of assimilation can be understood as a path marked by real activities to reduce differences between individuals or groups in conflict.

This process also includes efforts to unite the perceptions of the two parties taking into account the interests and also the common goals.

6. Integration Process

This integration process can be understood as an adaptation process carried out between elements of a plural society to create an atmosphere of harmony in social life.

Forms of Social Integration

Basically, Social Integration is divided into several types. The following is an explanation of the forms of Social Integration, namely:

A. Normative Integration

Normative Integration is often interpreted as a form of integration that occurs due to various norms prevailing in the community. In this case, the norm is something that can unite a community.

For example, the Indonesian people are united with the motto Unity in Diversity. Bhinneka Tunggal İka has become the norm that functions to integrate differences that occur in society.

B. Functional Integration

Functional integration arises because it has certain functions within the community. Integration can be formed by prioritizing the role of each party in a community.

For example, such as Indonesia, which has various ethnic groups that integrate themselves by looking at the role of each existing tribe.

C. Coercive Integration

This Coercive Integration is based on the strength of those who have high authority. In this case, the authority implements an act of coercion (violence).

An example of this coercive integration is the Dutch invaders who applied a forced labor system to the Indonesian people.

Supporting factors for Social Integration

1. There is an attitude of tolerance towards differences.

2. There are equal opportunities in the economic field

3. There is mutual respect for each other

4. Open attitude of the ruling class in the community

5. They have similarities in cultural elements.

6. Mixed marriages.

7. There are common enemies from outside.

Inhibiting factors of Social Integration

1. Having a community in an isolated condition.

2. People do not have enough knowledge.

3. Feeling superior to other members in a group.

So, this Social Integration means to get along in different layers of society in such a way as not to see the difference, but the unity or the whole becomes visible.

Share this post

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER