Final answer:
The passage of laws making it difficult for groups to stay in agriculture is an example of structural discrimination, where a dominant society uses its power to limit the rights of other groups. Despite the role of market forces in providing some degree of freedom, they are not enough to eliminate discrimination, as evident in historical and ongoing discrimination against African Americans in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage of laws that make it difficult for certain groups to remain in agriculture likely refers to a form of structural discrimination. This type of discrimination occurs when the dominant group in society uses laws, customs, and political power to restrict the rights and opportunities of less powerful groups. These oppressive actions are often justified by exclusionary ideologies, where less powerful groups are not only denied full civil rights, voting rights, or citizenship but are also systematically marginalized.
History has shown us the power of markets to allow oppressed groups a measure of freedom to thrive economically, despite facing legal and social discrimination. Notable examples include Jewish communities and emigrant Chinese populations, who have found success through economic activities. However, market forces alone have proven insufficient in eradicating discrimination, as evidenced by the continued discrimination against African Americans in the United States, despite significant legislative milestones like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Assimilation can be a response to discrimination but is often a demanding process for immigrants who must overcome numerous barriers such as language and socioeconomic factors. The degree of assimilation is usually measured by a myriad of factors like socioeconomic status, spatial concentration, language skills, and intermarriage patterns.