multiculturalism Flashcards
Core ideas, theories and doctrines
When a state has a diverse set of cultural groups which is accepted and cultural unity is preferred
Key concepts associated w Multiculturalism (x4)
Diversity- there is not one overarching dominant culture and a multiplicity of cultures
Toleration- cultural diversity is tolerated, people are allowed to be themselves in society without judgement and allows cultural pluralism to live and thrive.
Plurality- when a range of communities share power and can all contribute to political agenda and many views are regarded in the decision making process
Minority rights- certain rights and liberties protect minorities that live in communities
Emergence of multiculturalism in the 1960’s-
reasons why?
Due to nationwide rebellion against authority and orthodoxy- changing social attitudes .
Emergence of multiculturalism-
two types that developed through this time period?
Liberation movements- developed within cultural minorities that were being oppressed- civil rights movements, women and gay rights- sought to seek a fairer and more equal society.
Regional Nationalism-wanted separation and independence from majority community (Basque Country)due to the significance of their culture and wanting representation .
Emergence of multiculturalism-
Immigration
The post war boom saw many people move to developing countries and taking advantage of economic opportunities but were often met with hostility- wanted equal cultural respect.
A new consensus?
Multiculturalism had been accepted by emerging third way movements of the centre left and became involved in mainstream politics giving people the voice they always wanted however after recent terrorist attacks many began to re evaluate as some believed it allowed non-liberal viewpoints rather than progressive diversity.
Future Prospects
Fortunes linked to globalisation as capital goods are moved across the world, enducing integration and is likely to keep involved in mainstream politics for years to come.
Multiculturalist views-
Communitarianism
belief that individuals are shaped by their communities
Regards individualism as creating greed and selfishness with lack of respect for others, and that this had led to the decline of society.
Etzioni believes that people flourish when in a large community, and creates social solidarity.
Multiculturalist views-
Forms of Communitarianism
(x3)
1) Left wing- favoured by anarchists and socialists, brings well rounded people
2) Centrist- communities strongest when there is a balance of social rights- associated with one nation conservatism.
3) Right Wing- want to respect authority and tradition- associated with Tory policies
How have liberals criticised communitarianism?
For neglect of individual freedoms and that it can be used to preserve illiberal cultures,practices and beliefs
Multiculturalist views-
Post Colonialism
Ideas associated with independence movements of the 19th and 20th centuries
Passing on Eurocentric ideals to other cultures under colonial rule
“Opposition of universalism” belief that an idea is possible in all locations, but they believed different cultures required dif rules and regulations
Multiculturalist views-
post colonialism- Particularism
Belief that Dif communities have Dif cultures
None of these are better than others or worse
Each culture is suited to that community and any imposition is likely to lead to problems
Edward Said- concept of Orientalism
Outlined the way in which Europeans had degraded the people of the east, and promoted west beliefs were equal to those of the East.
Identity Politics
Defintion
Where the political inclinations of individuals are based on the community around them, usually taking into account religion, nationality, language and gender.
Identity Politics-
Left-right politics
Modern day politics has become linked to the class that you are in in society and an association of right and left viewpoints
This has created a clear difference in politics
Left parties are more liberal, favouring redistribution of resources and egalitarian society whereas the right prefers to protect those that have resources
Identity Politics
In contrast to Left right politics, identity politics tends to those who have more rigid and fixed beliefs
People define their politics through religion, gender, ethnicity etc.
Seek to promote and protect their identity and demote others.
Identity Politics- Benefits
x3
Interests of certain communities can be whole heartedly protected and supported by community, and they will truly understand what they want.
Allows members of oppressed community to use politics as a strength they might not have elsewhere.
Strengthens are reinforces bonds with community and allows it to flourish.
Identity Politics- Negatives
x2
Leads to confrontational and rigid form of politics that can lead to war or hostility (ie N.Ireland.)
Requires high degree of social conformity and can discriminate against others in society
Minority rights-
What are their rights?
(x3)
Rights that are given to those to those who are culturally distinctive
According to Kymlicka they are:
Self governing rights- culture lives within area of territory and have a degree of self governance. eg Inuits
Polyethnic rights- rights given to preserve culture ie
sinks can wear turban instead of bike helmet when riding motorcycle(crazy)
Representation of rights- created through forms of positive discrimination that make sure they have some form of representation within important places in aims to rectify disadvantages.
Opposition to minority rights
4
Prevent wide stream integration as cultures are legally different
Could cause conflicts in communities that do not get along
Positive discrimination may be patronising and unfair, and undermining their self worth.
Where these groups are protected through law, it undermines the right of freedom of speech as religious beliefs cannot be criticised.
Cosmopolitanism
Definition
The ides that all humans belong to a single world community.
Features of Cosmopolitan society
Name of theorist
Peace and harmony between all communities
Developed sense of tolerance and respect.
Inclusive government(involves everyone)
Kwame Appiah
Critiques of Multiculturalism- conservatives
conservatives-
Damages national identity and social cohesion
peoples communities have grown organically with differing norms and bringing another culture in will cause friction between communities.
multiple cultures will lead to multiple authorities with different laws which will lead to confusion
critiques of multiculturalism-liberal
can protect illiberal cultures that may damage society as they have little interest in individual freedom
Damages legal equality- if certain cultures become independent and exceptions to certain laws (Sikh men not wearing bike helmets) an this undermines legal equality
Critiques of multiculturalism- Feminist
many patriarchal cultures will be spread into a patriarchal society and protected as their individual cultures, meaning the fight for women rights become harder
