Final answer:
The ideal situation where society's minority groups live together harmoniously, maintaining their uniqueness, is best described by pluralism. It is represented by the 'salad bowl' metaphor where each culture adds to the whole without losing its identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideal situation in which a society full of minority groups is able to live together in harmony while keeping what makes them unique best describes pluralism. This term refers to a societal state where different cultures retain their own identity, traditions, and uniqueness, all while coexisting respectfully and equally with one another. Unlike assimilation, where a minority group conforms to the culture of the dominant group, or amalgamation, where different groups combine to create a wholly new culture, pluralism embraces and respects the distinctiveness of each cultural group. The metaphor of the "salad bowl" illustrates pluralism well—each culture adds its unique flavor to society without losing its own identity.