ABSTRACT
Throughout history, there has been a tension between forces of separatism and integration. Indeed, these are basic aspects of spatial behaviour and strong determinants of spatial organisation. Both have contributed to the richness of human society and the development of civilisation, and both have been at the root of severe conflict. The dilemma is how to reconcile or balance these forces in a society. Specifically for the United States, to what degree of diversity do benefits of enrichment outweigh possible costs of disunity and conflict? As with other basic dilemmas such as the balance between individual freedom and social responsibility, there can be no definitive answer. For some, the preservation of cultural differences may be worth the destruction of society, while for others, national unity may justify destroying cultural diversity. The intention here is only to develop some of the implications of a pluralist perspective.
