Multiculturalism celebrates the richness of diverse cultures, fostering unity through respect and understanding, where differences are embraced as a source of strength and collective growth. It promotes a society where individuals of various backgrounds coexist harmoniously, contributing their unique perspectives and experiences to create a vibrant and inclusive community.
The term “multiculturalism” was first used in 1965 in Canada to describe a unique approach to addressing cultural diversity. It became an official public policy in 1971. Multiculturalism is closely linked to identity politics, which focuses on acknowledging and valuing underrepresented identities and challenging dominant patterns of representation and communication that marginalize certain groups.
The significance of multiculturalism can be summarized as follows:
It asserts that each culture possesses distinct values that differ from those expressed in other cultures to which individuals belong.
It criticizes the liberal understanding of the self by emphasizing the value of belonging to a cultural community. According to communitarian philosophers like Alasdair MacIntyre and Michael Sandel, the idea of an abstract and detached self leads to a lack of identity and moral purpose. They argue that only groups and communities can provide individuals with a genuine sense of identity and moral direction.
Multiculturalism supports the notion of an “encumbered self,” where personal identity is shaped by the cultural community in which one belongs. It recognizes that our cultural context influences our experiences and perspectives.
Differentiated Citizenship
Differentiated citizenship is a key aspect of multiculturalism. It proposes that citizens should be distinguished based on their cultural identity, and different communities may receive varying rights within the polity. This concept is known as differentiated citizenship.
Furthermore, proponents of multiculturalism argue that identified minority groups should be granted special rights to address their specific needs.
Different kinds of Special Rights
Differentiated citizenship under multiculturalism has endorsed three types of special rights, as outlined by Will Kymlicka:
i. Cultural Rights/Polyethnic rights
ii. Self-Government Rights
iii. Special-Representation Rights
In Western democracies, demands for special cultural rights often include exemptions from existing laws, support for minority cultural institutions, and recognition of minority cultures.
Multiculturalism and cultural Diversity
Multiculturalism promotes policies that enhance cultural diversity within society, aiming to minimize discrimination against minorities and create an environment where minority cultures can thrive. Will Kymlicka suggests that diverse cultures offer alternative perspectives and systems of organization.
Challenges and Criticisms
Multiculturalism faces challenges and criticisms, such as the issue of realizing social justice. Amy Gutmann argues that conflicting ethical standards and differing judgments on social justice can arise in multicultural societies. She rejects the notion that the dominant social understanding should prevail simply because it is dominant, stating that relying on it can be dangerous.
Brian Barry contends that multiculturalism is inconsistent with liberalism and should therefore be rejected, as it does not align with liberal values. Arthur Schlesinger highlights the potential for resentment and antagonism when excessive emphasis is placed on differences. Martha Nussbaum, Ayelet Shachar, and Susan Moller Okin criticize multiculturalism for granting power to groups through legal recognition, which they argue can perpetuate discriminatory practices within different cultures.
