|
Three interrelated,
but nevertheless distinctive, referents of 'multiculturalism' and
its related adjective 'multicultural' which can be distinguished
in public debate and discussion are: the demographic-descriptive,
the ideological-normative and the programmatic-political.
The demographic-descriptive
usage occurs where 'multicultural' is used to refer to the existence
of ethnically or racially diverse segments in the population of
a society or State. It represents a perception that such differences
have some social significance-primarily because of perceived cultural
differences though these are frequently associated with forms of
structural differentiation. The precise ethnic groupings which exist
in a State, the significance of ethnicity for social participation
in societal institutions and the processes through which ethnic
differentiation is constructed and maintained may vary considerably
between individual States, and over time.
In the programmatic-political
usage 'multiculturalism' refers to specific types of programs and
policy initiatives designed to respond to and manage ethnic diversity.
It was in this usage that 'multiculturalism' first gained currency
after it was recommended in the 1965 Report of the Royal Commission
on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. This Report recommended that
multiculturalism replace the bicultural policy based on the British
and French Charter groups around whom policies for ethnic diversity
in Canadian society had been organised for over a century. Since
then, its usage has extended rapidly to encompass the demographic-descriptive'
and the 'ideological-normative' usage.
The ideological-normative
usage of multiculturalism is that which generates the greatest level
of debate since it constitutes a slogan and model for political
action based on sociological theorising and ethical-philosophical
consideration about the place of those with culturally distinct
identities in contemporary society. Multiculturalism emphasises
that acknowledging the existence of ethnic diversity and ensuring
the rights of individuals to retain their culture should go hand
in hand with enjoying full access to, participation in, and adherence
to, constitutional principles and commonly shared values prevailing
in the society. By acknowledging the rights of individuals and groups
and ensuring their equitable access to society, advocates of multiculturalism
also maintain that such a policy benefits both individuals and the
larger society by reducing pressures for social conflict based on
disadvantage and inequality. They also argue that multiculturalism
is an enrichment for the society as a whole. The close parallels
between this ideological-normative usage of multiculturalism and
the United Nations' views on cultural diversity are clear.
For more information on the concepts
of Multiculturalism, please refer to UNESCO MOST Policy Paper No.
4 "Multiculturalism:
New Policy Responses to Diversity", Christine
Inglis, UNESCO MOST 1996
|
