Stage two of the Gordons' seven stages of assimilation, structural assimilation, is the most crucial. Furthermore, according to Gordon, it was once known as primary or informal structural assimilation. This stage is the most important since it is the foundation for all earlier phases. According to Gordon, other forms of assimilation will inevitably follow structural assimilation, either concurrently with or after cultural assimilation (Gordon. 1964:8 1). The subsequent stages of assimilation probably follow, like pieces to give an example when individuals of minority and dominant cultural backgrounds meet in friendly, interpersonal social environments: Minority group individuals generally marry individuals of the majority population,