multiculturalism

multiculturalism
   A multicultural society is one in which all ethnic groups feel accepted and included. Multiculturalism is an ideology advocating that society should comprise, or at least allow and include, distinct cultural groups of equal status. It began as an official policy in English-speaking countries in the 1970s and was quickly adopted as official policy by most member states in the European Union. However, it is currently an extremely divisive issue in the UK and in several other Western democracies. Supporters often portray it as a self-evident entitlement of cultural groups, as a form of civil rights grounded in equality of cultures. They embrace diversity as a positive force, encouraging and enabling different cultures to learn about each other’s art, literature and philosophy, and influence each other’s cuisine, fashion and music. Opponents tend to see it as an unwanted vision that has been imposed on them by a liberal elite which has not sought their consent. They fear it will lead to cultural ghettos and undermine a sense of national identity and unity. In particular, they dislike the way that in practice it means the creation of more single-faith schools and an undue emphasis upon minority rights.
   Labour has been sympathetic to multiculturalism, placing much emphasis on the rights of minorities to preserve and celebrate their culture whilst encouraging their participation as citizens – that is, integrating without assimilating. However, the policy has come into question. The existence of poor social conditions and racism have – particularly in some highly polarised towns and cities in the north of England where there is an absence of shared values – become barriers to the integration of minorities, so that multiculturalism has not functioned as it is supposed to do. In the light of events such as the London bombings, some Labour politicians have seen a need to stress social cohesion and inclusion, rather than diversity.

Glossary of UK Government and Politics . 2013.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Multiculturalism — is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple cultures, applied to the demographic make up of a specific place, usually at the organizational level, e.g. schools, businesses, neighborhoods, cities, or nations. In a political context… …   Wikipedia

  • multiculturalism — MULTICULTURALÍSM s. n. calitatea de a fi multicultural. (< multicultural + ism) Trimis de raduborza, 15.09.2007. Sursa: MDN …   Dicționar Român

  • multiculturalism — (n.) 1965, from MULTICULTURAL (Cf. multicultural) + ISM (Cf. ism) …   Etymology dictionary

  • multiculturalism — [n] doctrine acknowledging contributions and interests of many cultures cross culturalism, cultural diversity, diversity, ethnic inclusiveness, ethnic mosaic, multiracialism, pluralism; concepts 665,689 …   New thesaurus

  • multiculturalism — [mul΄tē kul′chər əl iz΄əm] n. the policy or practice of giving equal attention or representation to the cultural needs and contributions of all the groups in a society: special emphasis may be given to minority groups underrepresented in the past …   English World dictionary

  • multiculturalism — /mʌltiˈkʌltʃərəlɪzəm/ (say multee kulchuhruhlizuhm) noun 1. the maintenance of more than one culture within a society, ideally with equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of ethnic origin: *And after all, on the whole, Australian… …  

  • multiculturalism — noun /mʌltɪˈkʌltʃəɹəlɪz(ə)m/ The characteristics of a society, city etc. which has many different ethnic or national cultures mingling freely; political or social policies which support or encourage such coexistence. Something had to replace the… …   Wiktionary

  • multiculturalism — [[t]mʌ̱ltikʌ̱ltʃərəlɪzəm[/t]] N UNCOUNT Multiculturalism is a situation in which all the different cultural or racial groups in a society have equal rights and opportunities, and none is ignored or regarded as unimportant …   English dictionary

  • multiculturalism —    A movement to broaden the range of cultures we study, in contrast to the prevailing (traditional ethnocentric and racist) opinion that the great accomplishments have been made almost exclusively by males of European descent (DWMs).… …   Glossary of Art Terms

  • multiculturalism — multicultural ► ADJECTIVE ▪ relating to or constituting several cultural or ethnic groups. DERIVATIVES multiculturalism noun multiculturalist noun & adjective …   English terms dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”