Multiculturalism
From Wikinfo
See also Criticisms of multiculturalism
Multiculturalism or cultural pluralism is a policy, ideal, or reality that emphasizes the unique characteristics of different cultures in the world, especially as they relate to one another in immigrant receiving nations. The term was coined in Canada in the 1960s, but has since spread around the world.
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Descriptive Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism is a term often used to describe societies with a proliferation of different cultures. Around the world wealthy countries have large numbers of immigrants with their own cultures and languages. This multicultural reality has caused problems in some nations, but also has lead to cultural exchanges that have benefited both groups. For instance the introduction of the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent to the United Kingdom has revolutionized eating in that country.
The term 'multicultural' can also be used to refer to localities in cities where people of different cultures co-exist. The actions of planners and those engaged in formulating public housing policy can result in some areas remaining monocultural, often due to pressure groups active in the local political arena. This term is especially current in the UK.
Official Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism can also be a prescriptive term where is the goal of government policy.
In dealing with immigrants groups and their cultures there are essentially three approaches.
- Monoculturalism: In most Old World nations culture is very closely linked to nationalism, thus government policy is to assimilate immigrants. France, for example is very concerned about immigrant groups adopting French culture.
- Melting Pot: In the United States the traditional view has been for a Melting Pot where all the world's cultures are peacefully mixed and amalgamated.
- Multiculturalism: a view that immigrants, and others, should preserve their cultures and the different cultures should interact peacefully within one nation. Is today the official policy of Canada and Australia.
No country today, or ever, has fully fallen into one of these categories, and France has made efforts to adapt French culture to new groups, while Canada still has many policies that work to encourage assimilation.
Others, such as Diane Ravitch, use the term multiculturalism differently, describing both the Melting Pot, and Canada's Mosaic as being multicultural and refers to them as pluralistic and particularist multiculturalism. Pluralistic multiculturalism views each culture or subculture in a society as contributing unique and valuable cultural aspects to the whole culture. Particularist multiculturalism is more concerned with preserving the distinctions between cultures.
Origins
The word grew out of Biculturalism, which had long been Canada's official cultural policy to deal with the differences between the anglophone majority and substantial francophone minority. In the 1960s the biculturalist view was challenged by groups as diverse as First Nations and Chinese immigrants and this counter opinion was termed "multiculturalist". Under Pierre Trudeau in 1971 the nation moved to an official policy geared towards multiculturalism. This policy has been supported by every subsequent government and was added to Canada's 1982 constitution.
Implementation
Around the world important parts of government multicultural policies can include:
- dual citizenship
- government support for newspapers, television, and radio in minority languages
- support for minority festivals, holidays, and celebrations
- acceptance of traditional and religious dress in schools, the military, and society in general
- support for arts from cultures around the world
- programs to encourage minority representation in politics, education, and the work force
While multiculturalist policies oppose cultural assimilation, countries such as Canada do support structural assimilation. Immigrant groups are still encouraged to participate in the larger society and to learn the majority languages and enter the labour force.
Official Multiculturalism Around the World
The other country to have most fully adopted Canada's view of multiculturalism in Australia where many of these policies are pursued.
In the United States multiculturalism is not an official policy but the government in recent years moved to support many multiculturalist policies. In some ways the United States has gone even further than Canada with such policies as gerrymandered districts to guarantee minority representation in government.
Like in the United States the United Kingdom also does not have an official policy supporting multiculturalism, but does have a number of programs with these goals.
Multiculturalism, along with other identity politics, has in part been so successful because it is a useful tool for politicians to win the votes of minority groups. Government money for festivals or newspapers can ensure that new immigrants support the governing party.
See also: Transculturation
Links
- Multiculturalism: E Pluribus Plures - article by Diane Ravitch on pluralistic vs. particularistic multiculturalism
References
- Adapted from the Wikipedia article, "Multiculturalism" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiculturalism, used under the GNU Free Documentation License
