This collection of readings provides the reader with a basic introduction to the topic and concepts of cultural diversity as it has come to characterize the culture of the United States. Particular attention is given to the practice of racial, ethnic, and special interest group characterizations. No other book is as complete in its coverage of the diverse cultural groupings that make up the American culture. This unique work serves as a first step in beginning the quest for greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Growing dependency, increased contact and interactions, and the development of a participatory world culture have brought the topic of culture change to our attention as never before. Naylor examines the various issues and aspects of change, particularly directed or intended change, as it occurs within multicultural settings. He combines the best information available on the topic of change and provides a comprehensive model for change processes in an effort to supply the reader with the essentials required for understanding culture change and working within its contexts. It is appropriate for courses in anthropology, sociology, education, development studies and health, and will serve equally well for either undergraduate or graduate levels.

Cultural diversity has characterized the American culture since its inception, but it has become a buzzword in the 1990s, along with multiculturalism. Proposed solutions to many of the problems of cultural diversity, while popular with the general public searching for easy solutions, are all too often simplistic and naive, reflecting the rather skewed perceptions of cultural diversity shared by most Americans. This volume is intended for those already familiar with the cultural diversity of America and is designed to generate discussion of the issues and problems.

Contributing authors take their discussions to new and in some cases unchartered directions in their efforts to stimulate discussion that could lead to the resolution of some of the most perplexing and complex issues and problems of diversity.

Cultural diversity has characterized the American culture since its inception, but it has become a buzzword in the 1990s, along with multiculturalism. Proposed solutions to many of the problems of cultural diversity, while popular with the general public searching for easy solutions, are all too often simplistic and naive, reflecting the rather skewed perceptions of cultural diversity shared by most Americans. This volume is intended for those already familiar with the cultural diversity of America and is designed to generate discussion of the issues and problems.

Contributing authors take their discussions to new and in some cases unchartered directions in their efforts to stimulate discussion that could lead to the resolution of some of the most perplexing and complex issues and problems of diversity.

America, like other modern nations, is characterized by its diversity and can be seen as a complex and fragmented nation-state. Yet an American culture defined by those beliefs, behaviors, and results that all Americans do share, irrespective of their other cultural affiliations, does exist. This book presents an innovative approach to the issues and aspects in the study of America's unique culture. The real diversity of America is lost in the practice of categorizing people into social (racial or ethnic) groups and then attributing culture to them. While not an exhaustive treatment of the culture, this volume serves as a point of departure for discussions of American culture in a variety of courses both within and outside the discipline of anthropology. Each chapter is accompanied by suggested readings to enable the student to pursue a more in-depth study of any individual topic.

This collection of readings provides the reader with a basic introduction to the topic and concepts of cultural diversity as it has come to characterize the culture of the United States. Particular attention is given to the practice of racial, ethnic, and special interest group characterizations. No other book is as complete in its coverage of the diverse cultural groupings that make up the American culture. This unique work serves as a first step in beginning the quest for greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Growing dependency, increased contact and interactions, and the development of a participatory world culture have brought the topic of culture change to our attention as never before. Naylor examines the various issues and aspects of change, particularly directed or intended change, as it occurs within multicultural settings. He combines the best information available on the change topic and provides a comprehensive model for change processes in an effort to provide the reader with the basic essentials required for understanding culture change and working within its contexts. It is appropriate for courses in anthropology, sociology, education, development studies and health, and will serve equally well for either undergraduate or graduate levels.