Multiculturalism, society, cultural diversity, cultural groups, community, sociopolitical issue, ethnic group, regions, colonisation, immigration, cultural practices, legislation, tradition, the melting pot theory, the salad and bowl theory
Multiculturalism entails how a particular society handles cultural diversity. It assumes that members of different cultural groups can easily coexist peacefully in a given region. Multiculturalism expresses the fact that a community is enriched through respecting, encouraging, and preserving cultural diversity. According to Joppke (2001), political philosophy describes multiculturalism as a way in which communities decide to form as well as implement official policies that deal with equitable and fair treatment of individuals from different cultural groups. It occurs both at the national level and communal levels. Multiculturalism is a sociopolitical issue that involves both political and social aspects. Indigenous peoples, also known as native peoples, aboriginal peoples, or first peoples, refer to ethnic groups who are original caretakers and owners of a particular region which are different from groups that have colonized, occupied, or settled in the area more recently. Indigenous peoples maintain their traditions as well as other aspects of early cultures, which are associated with a particular region (Kymlicka, 2013). Native peoples may settle in a stationary area but are historically associated with a specific territory on which they depend.
[...] It occurs voluntarily as they interact with and are influenced by the native people of the area. For instance, the assimilation of immigrants into the United States of America. Kymlicka (2010) opines that the theory is criticized for making individuals lose their traditions, reducing diversity as well as being enforced by governmental policies. For example, more than 350000 Indians were forcefully assimilated into American society by the U. S. Indian Reorganisation Act of 1934. This action was done without any concern for the diversity of indigenous American lifestyles and heritage. [...]
[...] Oxford: Oxford University Press. Kymlicka, W. (2009). Multicultural odysseys: Navigating the new international politics of diversity. Kymlicka, W. (2010). The rise and fall of multiculturalism? New debates on inclusion and accommodation in diverse societies. International social science journal, 61(199), 97-112. Kymlicka, W. (2011). Multicultural citizenship within multination states. Ethnicities, 281-302. Kymlicka, W. (2013). Multicultural citizenship: A liberal theory of minority rights. [...]
[...] Conclusion In conclusion, multiculturalism is essential in achieving a higher degree of cultural diversity and, therefore, should be supported by all means. It reduces discrimination and prejudices based on cultural perspectives leading to a harmonious life for every person. Societies should value and recognize cultural differences present in their individuals. This act would make humanity stronger and vital for survival since schools and workplaces are made up of various cultural groups. References Joppke, C. (2001). Multicultural citizenship: a critique. European Journal of Sociology/Archives Européennes de Sociologie, 431-447. Kymlicka, W. (2001). Politics in the Vernacular: Nationalism, multiculturalism and citizenship (p. 226). [...]
[...] Clarendon Press. Modood, T. (1998). Multiculturalism, secularism and the state. Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy, 79-97. Modood, T., & Meer, N. (2012). Interculturalism, multiculturalism or both? Political Insight, 30-33. Parekh, B. (2001). Rethinking multiculturalism: Cultural diversity and political theory. Ethnicities, 109-115. [...]
[...] Characteristics of multiculturalism Various elements characterize multiculturalism. To start with, it involves individuals of different ethnicities, nationalities, and races residing together in a particular community. Different groups of individuals with varied origins and inheritances live together in harmony with one another despite the differences. Secondly, in multicultural societies, individuals pass down, celebrate people, retain, and share their unique traditional ways of life, such as language, behaviours, and arts (Modood, 1998). The elements of multiculturalism usually spread into public schools, which unite students from different groups, thus resulting in interaction and sharing of cultural ideas. [...]
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