“The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people”
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of cultural dynamics, the term “multiculturalism” emerged in 1965 in Canada, encapsulating a distinctive approach to addressing the challenges posed by cultural diversity. This approach was formally adopted as public policy in 1971. Multiculturalism is intricately linked with identity politics and the politics of recognition, both of which share a common goal—to revalue marginalized identities and challenge prevailing patterns of representation that sideline certain groups.
Table of Contents
Development of Multiculturalism
The emergence of multiculturalism can be linked to the significance of identity politics. The 1960s witnessed the rise of the black movement, influencing a growing acceptance of diverse groups. The surge in cross-border immigration due to globalization in the 1980s further fueled this trend, prompting numerous countries to embrace the concept of a multi-ethnic and religious population.
Multiculturalism gained momentum in the 1970s, particularly evident in the welcoming of a substantial number of Asians to various countries, a process known as accumulation. New Zealand is another illustration of the increasing embrace of multiculturalism. However, Canada stands out as a prime example of multicultural citizenship, characterized by the harmonious coexistence of the French-speaking Quebec and English-speaking population.
Significance of Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism asserts that each culture embodies unique values distinct from others, fostering a sense of individual identity within a cultural community. Philosophers like Alasdair MacIntyre and Michael Sandel critique the liberal understanding of the self, advocating that cultural belonging provides individuals with genuine identity and moral purpose. Will Kymlicka emphasizes the idea of an “encumbered self,” where cultural community defines personal identity and serves as a crucial context of experience.
Models of Multiculturalism
There are two models of multiculturalism named Thick and Thin Models based on diverse societies.
Thick Multiculturalism:
Thick multiculturalism refers to an approach that goes beyond mere tolerance of diversity and actively promotes the celebration and preservation of distinct cultural identities within a society. This approach recognizes that cultural differences are not obstacles to be overcome but valuable assets that contribute to the richness of a community.
In a thick multicultural framework, there is an emphasis on understanding and engaging with the various cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions that make up a diverse society. Policies and initiatives under thick multiculturalism often involve the integration of diverse perspectives into educational curricula, public discourse, and institutional practices. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect among different cultural groups, promoting a more inclusive and harmonious social environment.
Thin Multiculturalism:
Thin multiculturalism, on the other hand, takes a more minimalist approach to cultural diversity, focusing primarily on the coexistence of different cultures without delving deeply into their specific characteristics. In a thin multicultural society, the emphasis is often on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds without necessarily engaging in a comprehensive exploration of cultural differences. While thin multiculturalism aims to avoid discrimination and promote a basic level of cultural acceptance, it may not actively encourage the preservation or promotion of unique cultural practices.
This approach tends to prioritize a common, overarching identity that transcends cultural distinctions. Thin multiculturalism may be seen as a more pragmatic strategy, especially in societies where the emphasis is on shared civic values rather than the explicit recognition of cultural differences.
Theories of Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism, a concept explored through two prominent theories, namely the Melting Pot and Salad Bowl theories, seeks to understand the dynamics of diverse societies.
Melting Pot Theory: Assimilation and Critiques
The Melting Pot theory delves into societies where diverse groups are compelled to amalgamate, shedding their individual cultural identities to assimilate into a dominant culture. This model, often associated with the United States, envisions a homogenous blend where immigrants become an undifferentiated part of the existing majority culture. However, critics argue that this assimilation is forceful, leading to the loss of history, culture, and traditions. The criticism extends to instances such as the US Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which aimed at assimilating a significant number of Native Americans into American society without acknowledging their diversity.
Salad Bowl Theory: Embracing Diversity
In contrast, the Salad Bowl theory offers a more liberal perspective, portraying a heterogeneous society where individuals coexist harmoniously while retaining their unique characteristics and traditional cultures. This model likens the society to a fruit bowl, where different cultural “ingredients” are brought together. Unlike the Melting Pot, each component maintains its distinct identity, fostering a collective harmony without compromising individual cultural richness. Charles Taylor also supported this model in his work ‘Politics of Recognition.’
Critique and Acceptance
While the Melting Pot theory faces criticism for its perceived lack of respect for diversity and forceful assimilation, the Salad Bowl theory is praised for promoting inclusivity and preserving the mosaic of distinct cultural identities within a society. These two theories provide contrasting lenses through which to analyze and understand the complexities of multiculturalism.
Theory of Multiculturalism: Will Kymlicka
Will Kymlicka is a Canadian political philosopher renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to multiculturalism. His extensive exploration of multiculturalism and political philosophy has been translated into various languages. Kymlicka’s central concept revolves around establishing a framework that ensures equal and fair treatment for minorities. He categorizes minorities into two primary groups: polyethnic or immigrant groups and national minorities, such as the indigenous people of Canada and Quebec.
Kymlicka asserts that each minority group deserves distinct rights tailored to their unique roles in the country. He distinguishes between polyethnic groups and national minorities, advocating for different levels of rights based on their circumstances. Polyethnic groups, having chosen to join the state voluntarily, are accorded fewer rights, as they bear the responsibility of integrating into their new nation.
His seminal work, “Multicultural Citizenship,” published in 1995, Central to multiculturalism is the notion of differentiated citizenship, where citizens are distinguished based on their cultural identity. This concept advocates for varying rights for different communities within a polity, giving rise to the idea of differentiated citizenship. Kymlicka contends that minority groups should be granted specific rights consistent with liberal principles. He identifies three crucial group-specific rights: group representation, self-government rights, and polyethnic rights.
Multiculturalism promotes policies that enrich cultural diversity in society by minimizing minority discrimination and creating conditions for the survival and flourishing of minority cultures. Will Kymlicka suggests that diverse cultures offer concrete alternatives, presenting a variety of projects and systems of external and internal organization.
Differentiated Citizenship: Michael Young
Iris Marion Young was a political theorist who focused on issues of justice, gender, and democracy. She contributed significantly to the concept of “inclusion” in citizenship. Young argued that citizenship should go beyond formal legal and political rights and should also include social and economic rights. She emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing structural inequalities that marginalize certain groups in society.
Young proposed a theory of “differentiated citizenship,” which involves recognizing and accommodating diverse identities and experiences within a political community. She argued for a more inclusive form of citizenship that takes into account the various ways in which individuals may be disadvantaged or excluded.
Dialogical Approach to Citizenship; Bikhu Parekh
Bhikhu Parekh’s dialogical approach to citizenship, as outlined in his work, “Rethinking Multiculturalism: Cultural Diversity and Political Theory,” represents a departure from conventional notions of citizenship that often prioritize a singular, dominant cultural identity. Parekh recognizes the inherent cultural diversity within societies and argues for an inclusive model of citizenship that accommodates and celebrates this diversity. In contrast to assimilationist perspectives that demand individuals to conform to a predefined cultural norm, Parekh’s dialogical approach encourages citizens to engage in open and respectful dialogue with one another. This emphasis on dialogue becomes a central tenet in fostering mutual understanding and recognition among individuals from various cultural backgrounds.
Central to Parekh’s dialogical citizenship is the idea of public reasoning within a multicultural context. He advocates for a deliberative process where citizens actively participate in shaping public policies and decisions through reasoned discourse. This approach moves away from top-down decision-making and promotes a more inclusive political community where diverse perspectives contribute to the formation of a shared understanding. Parekh’s vision thus envisions a society where public discourse takes into account and respects the cultural differences that exist among its citizens, steering away from exclusionary practices and fostering a sense of belonging for all.
Furthermore, Parekh’s dialogical approach challenges the traditional boundaries of citizenship by suggesting that individuals need not surrender their cultural identities to be recognized as full-fledged citizens. Instead, it calls for the acknowledgment and validation of cultural differences within the public sphere, contributing to the creation of a richer and more pluralistic civic space. In essence, Parekh’s dialogical citizenship seeks to create a framework that not only accommodates diversity but actively engages with it, recognizing it as a valuable resource for the vitality and resilience of a democratic society.
Challenges and Criticisms
One key challenge, as identified by Amy Gutmann, is the realization of social justice. What is considered just and true within one culture or group may not necessarily hold the same meaning for others. This discrepancy results in different ethical standards that generate conflicting judgments regarding social justice in a multicultural society.
Amy Gutmann dismisses the notion that the dominant social understanding should prevail solely because of its dominance. She argues that relying on a single shared cultural understanding is false, and depending on the dominant perspective can be perilous.
Multiculturalism is also criticized for overlooking disparities within cultural groups, ignoring intra-group inequalities such as caste system within Hinduism.
Briant Barry contends that multiculturalism, by not aligning with liberal values, is inherently inconsistent with liberalism and, therefore, should be opposed.
Whereas, Marxist theorists contend that multiculturalism neglects the critical issue of economic redistribution within diverse societies, raising questions about its ability to address broader socio-economic disparities.
Arthur Schlesinger observes that emphasizing “differences” can lead to the natural consequences of “resentments and antagonisms.”
Critics such as Martha Nussbaum, Ayelet Shachar, and Susan Moller Okin express reservations about multiculturalism. They argue that granting legal recognition to groups, as advocated by multiculturalism, can empower these groups and may result in discriminatory practices within different cultures.
One of the major threats of Multiculturalism is also the potential weakening of the nation-state as multiculturalism may foster diverse cultural practices, challenging a unified national identity.
Key Figures in Multiculturalism
I) Isaiah Berlin
At the core of Berlin’s philosophical stance lies the notion that conflicts of values are intrinsic to human life. This perspective has significantly influenced ‘postliberal’ thinking on multiculturalism. His insights are prominently featured in the book “Four Essays on Liberty.”
II) Edward Said
Said crafted a humanist critique of Western Enlightenment, uncovering its connection to colonialism. He shed light on ‘narratives of oppression’—cultural and ideological foundations disempowering colonized peoples. His influential works include “Orientalism” (1978) and “Culture and Imperialism” (1993).
III) Charles Taylor
Taylor’s communitarian portrayal of individuals as ’embodied beings’ supported his advocacy for the politics of recognition. He argued that individuals should be the object of positive attitudes, and cultures possess their unique essence. Taylor’s ideas are explored in “Sources of the Self” (1992) and “Multiculturalism and the Politics of Recognition” (1994).
IV) Bhikhu Parekh
In his reevaluation of multiculturalism (2005), Parekh rejected universalist liberalism. He argued that what is reasonable and moral is embedded in and mediated by culture, assisting individuals in making sense of their lives and the world around them.
V) James Tully
Tully portrayed modern constitutionalism as a type of imperialism that denies indigenous modes of self-government and land appropriation. His perspectives are detailed in the book “Strange Multiplicity” (1995).
VI) Jeremy Waldron
Waldron developed a cosmopolitan understanding of multiculturalism emphasizing the rise of hybridity.
VII) Will Kymlicka
Kymlicka has played a pivotal role in advancing the idea of multicultural citizenship. He distinguishes between the self-government rights of national minorities and the ‘polyethnic’ rights of cultural groups formed through immigration. Kymlicka’s significant works include “Multicultural Citizenship” (1995) and “Multicultural Odysseys” (2007).
Conclusion
In conclusion, multiculturalism stands as a complex and evolving concept, seeking to celebrate diversity while navigating challenges and criticisms. As societies continue to grapple with cultural dynamics, understanding and embracing multiculturalism remains integral to fostering a more inclusive and harmonious world.
Read More:
