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Multiculturalism: meaning, definitions and examples

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multiculturalism

 

[ˌmʌltiˈkʌltʃərəˌlɪzəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
multiculturalism

Used to describe a society or setting that actively promotes the inclusion and celebration of different cultures.

  • The school's curriculum emphasizes multiculturalism by including lessons on various world cultures
  • The festival was a true celebration of multiculturalism, showcasing music, food, and traditions from around the globe
cultural diversity

Used to describe a setting where there are many different cultures, values, and traditions coexisting.

  • The city is known for its cultural diversity, with residents from over fifty countries
  • Cultural diversity in the workplace can lead to more innovative ideas and perspectives
ethnic diversity

Specifically refers to the variety of ethnic groups within a society, organization, or setting.

  • The university prides itself on its ethnic diversity, hosting students from numerous ethnic backgrounds
  • Ethnic diversity at the community center has enriched the programs offered, reflecting the traditions and customs of various groups
pluralism

Describes a condition or system in which multiple distinct ethnic, cultural, or social groups coexist and maintain their independent cultural traditions.

  • The nation's commitment to pluralism is evident in its policy encouraging religious freedoms and cultural expressions
  • The seminar discussed how political pluralism can contribute to a more democratic and tolerant society

Examples of usage

  • Canada is known for its commitment to multiculturalism.
  • The celebration of diversity is a key aspect of multiculturalism.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 one’s 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "multiculturalism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 multiculturalismo

🇮🇳 बहुसंस्कृतिवाद

🇩🇪 Multikulturalismus

🇮🇩 multikulturalisme

🇺🇦 мультикультуралізм

🇵🇱 multikulturalizm

🇯🇵 多文化主義 (tabunkashugi)

🇫🇷 multiculturalisme

🇪🇸 multiculturalismo

🇹🇷 çok kültürlülük

🇰🇷 다문화주의 (damunhwa juui)

🇸🇦 التعددية الثقافية

🇨🇿 multikulturalismus

🇸🇰 multikulturalizmus

🇨🇳 多元文化主义 (duōyuán wénhuà zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 multikulturalizem

🇮🇸 fjölmenningarhyggja

🇰🇿 мультикультурализм

🇬🇪 მრავალკულტურიანობა (mravalḳulturianoba)

🇦🇿 multikulturalizm

🇲🇽 multiculturalismo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,414, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.