ROLE OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

With the rapid change in the demographic structure of the American soc iety, the United States is becoming a mosaic of multiculturalism. Such changes have dramatic implications for social institutions. To unders tand such changes an overview of the evolution of multiculturalism fro m a historical perspective is provided. The concept of cultural plural ism is discussed for delineating the role of social institutions. Also examined is the issue of affirmative action, and the role of social w elfare institution.