Amalgamation is the process by which a majority group and a minority group combine through intermarriage to form a new group. This process, also known as miscegenation, involves biological and cultural merging, often leading to a new, unified group identity. The concept of a "melting pot" is often used to describe amalgamation, where different cultures blend to create an entirely new culture, unlike assimilation where one group adopts the dominant culture, or pluralism where groups coexist while retaining their distinct identities. Cultural amalgamation involves a mutual appreciation and integration of social norms, traditions, and both material and nonmaterial aspects of each contributing culture. Historically, laws against miscegenation existed, highlighting societal resistance to this process.