Toward a Definition of Multiculturalism (original) (raw)
Related papers
TOWARD A RICHER DEFINITION OF MULTICULTURALISM.
The paper shows the contemporary debate surrounding multiculturalism. Actually, multiculturalism transfers from national identity to social cohesion and leads to political correctness instead of cultural friction. The paper shows a balanced assessment of the meaning of multiculturalism. It is a hotly debated and has covered a wide range of policies. For this purpose, the paper depends upon two key elements: diversity and culture.
The Development and Meaning of the Concept of Multiculturalism
As a result of international migration, multiculturalism has become the dominant theory in the last 20-30 years in some countries of Western civilization. It was generally accepted that due to the practice of multiculturalism the different cultures can live peacefully side by side. The theory has become widely spread in the 1970s, but nowadays it is increasingly criticized; many question its ability to solve cultural problems. In this short paper I attempt to unfold the precise meaning of the term due to a lot of uncertainty in this area. The question is especially relevant as there is a lot of discussion about the failure of multiculturalism and as it is blamed for being responsible for causing social conflicts. Being examined as a political theory, we see that the concept can be interpreted in different ways and its boundaries are often blurred when trying to distinguish it from globalism or liberalism. In everyday language, multiculturalism is often regarded as identical to efforts to promote the integration of immigrants as well. The most widely accepted definition is generally negative: it determines what is not multiculturalism, or what can be contrasted with it. In fact, multiculturalism is a political philosophy and a social doctrine, which takes into account diversity and cultural differences, and defines itself as an alternative to assimilation. It is important to clarify that the model can only be applied in states where there are many strong communities that are able to survive and even seek it. However, it is not applicable if there are many immigrants from different cultures, but only a few from each culture or they do not wish to keep their identity (Joseph Raz).
Multiculturalism: Critical Reflections
2008
Multiculturalism has been defined as a method whereby culturally diverse groups are accorded status and recognition, not just at the individual level, but in the institutional structures of the society (Parekh, 2002). Moreover, multiculturalism involves the endorsement of harmonious and constructive relationships between culturally diverse groups (Cashmore, 1996).
Multiculturalism as a Defensible Ideal
Multiculturalism has been a controversial issue for years. Numerous scholars have discussed on it, examined societies with different cultural communities, and come up with two main different arguments. One of such arguments alleges that the idea of multiculturalism is a threat for countries, especially the countries that follow liberal aspect, thus it is not desirable. The other argument alleges that multicultural accommodation has merits to establish harmony especially for countries with different communities, separated cultures so on. In this paper, we aim to discuss briefly the idea of multiculturalism. After clarifying what multicultural accommodation is, we invoke Kymlicka's, one of the dominant multiculturalism theorists and advocates, thoughts, and then we appeal the arguments against them. While doing this, Brian Barry's, a political philosopher who was one of the solid opponents of multiculturalism, is our main objector. We focus mainly on the egalitarian critics of multiculturalism on the one hand; and try to reveal some problems for cultural rights on the other. The cases, also the problems, in the paper is taken from western countries but they all have merit to understand all multicultural conflicts and their remedies. Therefore, what we hope is to give possible perspectives for Turkey that has begun to face the difficulties of multiculturalism because of millions of refuges.
Discussing the Possibility of Multiculturalism .docx
This essay discusses the posibility of establishing a multicultural structure in the political and social environment of the 21st century. The essay was written as an assignment of ENG 102 course at Bilkent University.
Multiculturalism in Today Society
International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research, 2019
Cultural diversity in U.S. schools has deepened considerably during the last two decades. The aging of the mainstream population and influx of immigrants to the United States since Immigration Reforms Act of 1965 have resulted in a rapid rise in the percentage of ethnic, cultural, language, and religious minorities in the nation’s schools where One of out of three U.S. students is an ethnic minority. Multicultural education is an idea, an educational reform movement, and a process whose major goal is to change the structure of educational institution so the male and female students, exceptional students, and students who are number of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups will have an equal chance to achieve academically in school[4]. This paper describes different meaning of multiculturalism. The paper discusses the approaches can be used to teach multiculturalism education. The paper discusses reasons why multicultural education is needed in U.S. The paper mentions that...
THE GRAND DELUSION , 2018
Chapter 1 provides a brief historical background of the evolution of multiculturalism in the Western world. The purpose of this overview is to understand and then challenge the current political, societal, and economic situations facing our society in Europe in general and Ireland in particular. It also provides analysis of the theory and discourse of multiculturalism with a critical study in relation to power and democracy. A multicultural approach to real democracy is also discussed.