multiculturalism

(noun)

A characteristic of a society that has many different ethnic or national cultures mingling freely. It can also refer to political or social policies which support or encourage such a coexistence. Important in this is the idea that cultural practices, no matter how unusual, should be tolerated as a measure of respect.

Related Terms

Examples of multiculturalism in the following topics:

  • Pluralism

    • Multiculturalism is an ideology that promotes the institutionalization of communities containing multiple cultures.
    • Multiculturalism is an ideology that promotes the institutionalization of communities containing multiple cultures.
    • Critics of multiculturalism often debate whether or not the multicultural ideal of benignly co-existing cultures that interrelate and influence one another, and yet remain distinct, is sustainable, paradoxical, or even desirable.
    • Putnam conducted a nearly decade-long study of how multiculturalism affects social trust.
    • "Monument to Multiculturalism" by Francesco Pirelli, in front of Union Station, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

  • A Multicultural Society

    • Multiculturalism is an ideology that promotes the institutionalization of communities containing multiple cultures.
    • Multiculturalism is an ideology that promotes the institutionalization of communities containing multiple cultures.
    • In the United States, multiculturalism is not clearly established in policy at the federal level.
    • Du Bois, and Alain Locke developed concepts of cultural pluralism, from which emerged what we understand today as multiculturalism.
    • Multiculturalism is a highly disputed topic in the United States.

  • The Feminist Perspective

    • Multiculturalism aims to allow distinct cultures to reside together, either as distinct enclaves within ostensively Western societies, or as separate societies with national borders.
    • One possible consequence of multiculturalism is that certain religious or traditional practices, that might disadvantage or oppress women, might be tolerated on the grounds of cultural sensitivity.

  • Religious Diversity

    • Many faiths have flourished in the United States, including those spanning the country's multicultural immigrant heritage, as well as those founded within the country; these have led the United States to become one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world.

  • Affiliation

    • Many faiths have flourished in the United States, including both later imports spanning the country's multicultural immigrant heritage, as well as those founded within the country; these have led the United States to become one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world.

  • Characteristics of Members of Different Religions

    • Many faiths have flourished in the United States, including later imports spanning the country's multicultural immigrant heritage and those founded within the country, These disparate faiths have led the U.S. to become one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world.

  • Minority Groups

    • It is now accepted in many multicultural societies around the world that people should have the freedom to choose their own religion, including not having any religion (atheism or agnosticism), and including the right to convert from one religion to another.

  • English as a Second Language

    • ESL programs also allow students to meet and form friendships with other non-native speakers from different cultures, promoting racial tolerance and multiculturalism.

  • Feminist Theory

    • This perspective is sometimes referred to as multicultural feminism, multiracial feminism, or womanism.