Multiculturalism: International Perspectives

Multiculturalism has many meanings, referring to:
(i) the presence in a society of many different ethnocultural groups (demographic diversity); (ii) the public response to this diversity (multiculturalism policies); and (iii) to peoples’ attitudes towards both the diversity and policy (multicultural ideology). In addition to these aspects of cultural diversity, multiculturalism also includes the presence of equity and participation by all in the larger society. Both diversity and equitable participation are essential for multiculturalism to exist. Without diversity, equity may lead to assimilation; without equity, diversity may lead to separation; the absence of both diversity and equity, marginalization is likely to exist. But with both diversity and equity, there is the opportunity to achieve multiculturalism. Research can be done that seeks to understand all these aspects, and provide a basis for managing intercultural relations in these diverse societies. Examples of such research from international studies are presented in this symposium.