Multiculturalism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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multiculturalism
[หmสltiหkสltสษrษหlษชzษm ]
Definition
society
The presence of multiple cultural traditions within a single country, usually characterized by respect for different cultures and ethnicities.
Synonyms
cultural diversity, ethnic diversity, pluralism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| multiculturalism |
Used to describe a society or setting that actively promotes the inclusion and celebration of different cultures.
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| cultural diversity |
Used to describe a setting where there are many different cultures, values, and traditions coexisting.
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| ethnic diversity |
Specifically refers to the variety of ethnic groups within a society, organization, or setting.
|
| pluralism |
Describes a condition or system in which multiple distinct ethnic, cultural, or social groups coexist and maintain their independent cultural traditions.
|
Examples of usage
- Canada is known for its commitment to multiculturalism.
- The celebration of diversity is a key aspect of multiculturalism.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sociology
- Multiculturalism encourages positive interactions and dialogue between different cultural groups, fostering understanding.
- It promotes the idea that diverse cultural backgrounds enrich personal and community life, leading to greater social cohesion.
- Critics argue that it can sometimes lead to cultural fragmentation, where integration becomes challenging.
Education
- In educational settings, multicultural curricula include diverse authors and perspectives to reflect the student population.
- Teaching about different cultures helps develop empathy and understanding in children from a young age.
- Multicultural education emphasizes critical thinking about oneโs own culture and others, promoting global citizenship.
Pop Culture
- Multicultural themes have been popular in films and books, showcasing the beauty of diverse narratives and experiences.
- Events like multicultural festivals celebrate the food, music, and traditions of multiple cultures, promoting unity.
- Influential musicians and artists often blend styles from different cultures, creating innovative forms of expression.
Politics
- Many countries establish multicultural policies to support the integration of immigrants and protect minority rights.
- Political debates surrounding multiculturalism often examine how to balance respect for diverse cultures with national identity.
- Multicultural governance seeks to represent different populations in decision-making processes, ensuring all voices are heard.
Origin of 'multiculturalism'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'multi,' meaning many, with 'culturalism,' which relates to culture, showing a focus on multiple cultures.
- The word became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as societies became more diverse due to immigration.
- Rooted in the Latin word 'cultura', which means cultivation, symbolizing the growth of various cultural practices.
The concept of multiculturalism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a response to increasing cultural diversity in Western societies. It promotes the idea that different cultures can coexist harmoniously within a single nation, enriching society through the exchange of ideas, traditions, and values. Multiculturalism challenges the notion of a homogenous national identity and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing cultural differences.
See also: Acculturate, acculturation, agriculture, cultural, culturalization, culturedly, culturing, multicultural.