Multiculturalism

We explain what multiculturalism is, what its characteristics and examples are. Furthermore, interculturality, pluriculturality and transculturality.

What is multiculturalism?

multiculturalism is the presence of multiple cultural groups within the same environment or society. It is a context in which people of different cultural origins coexist, maintaining their own traditions, languages ​​and customs.

This term is used to recognize the existence of cultural minorities within the same State and their right to survive as a group. Cultural minorities can be immigrant groups that recently integrated into the country, native populations that survived colonization processes, or even communities that forged their cultural identity through acculturation processes.

The use of the concept of multiculturalism spread in the 1960s and 1970s with the growth of social movements fighting for equality and recognition of cultural and ethnic minorities. In this context, the concept began to be used to describe the cultural diversity that exists in many countries.

In parallel with the term “multiculturality”, the concept of “multiculturalism” emerged. While multiculturalism describes an existing reality, multiculturalism was established as a political approach that promotes actions aimed at creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all cultural groups.

See also: Cultural globalization

Characteristics of multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is characterized by:

• Diversity. It implies the existence of cultural groups of different origin, history and levels of integration into the dominant society of a country.
• Challenges. Multicultural societies often suffer from problems linked to oppression, discrimination, isolation of cultural groups, racism and lack of social cohesion.
• Identity. People living in multicultural societies can develop a multiple or mixed cultural identity, combining elements of several cultures in their daily lives.
• Acculturation The interaction between different cultural groups can lead to the adoption of new practices and customs, and the creation of new cultural forms.

Examples of multiculturalism

Currently, Globalization generates the constant increase in the presence of minorities and cultural communities in a country or region. In some cases, different cultural groups coexist in society peacefully, and policies exist to promote tolerance and integration. In others, this coexistence has generated conflicts, discrimination and attempts at forced assimilation.

Some examples of multicultural societies are:

Multiculturalism in Germany

Since the mid-20th century, Germany became a major destination for migrant workers. In the 1950s and 1960s, communities of immigrants from Türkiye, Italy and Greece, among others, were established. In recent decades, with refugee crises due to conflicts in the Middle East, Germany has received hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

In this context, Germany became a multicultural country with the presence of cultural groups of different ethnic origins, with different values, beliefs and religions. Currently, it has a significant Muslim population, as well as communities of Turkish, Polish, Russian and Italian origin.

The German State has carried out different policies aimed at the integration of immigrants, which include language and cultural orientation courses, employment support and social inclusion programs. However, it has serious problems linked to discrimination, racism and the way of integrating different groups within society. Multiculturalism is a recurring theme in German political and social debate.

See also: Social globalization

Multiculturalism in Canada

Canada is one of the most prominent examples of multiculturalism. Starting in the 1960s, the country established a policy of opening to immigration, which generated a wave of migrant workers from Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. These policies stimulated the arrival of people of diverse cultures and the establishment of communities of origin in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Currently, the largest groups are English, French, Irish and Scottish, but more than 450 ethnic origins are recognized as present in society.

In response to this diversity, in 1971, Canada officially adopted multiculturalism as an active policy. Since then, the Canadian government has promoted policies aimed at preserving and respecting cultures of origin, and providing support in areas such as education, health services and employment.

However, despite these efforts, Canada faces problems related to racism, discrimination and economic inequality between different communities.

See also: Migration, immigration and emigration

Multiculturalism in Bolivia

Bolivia is a country characterized by cultural diversity that dates back to pre-Columbian times, when the territory was inhabited by different indigenous communities. With Spanish colonization, native populations suffered different degrees of oppression and forced assimilation. However, many of these communities survived the centuries of domination.

Today, Bolivia officially recognizes 36 indigenous nations in its Constitution and defines itself as a plurinational nation. This means that it celebrates the existence of different cultures as a fundamental part of its national identity.

In this sense, the Bolivian State implements policies to preserve the languages, traditions and cultural practices of its indigenous peoples. It also seeks to promote their political and social participation.

However, Bolivia has integration and equity problems. Many indigenous communities are poor and have limited access to basic services, such as health and education. Despite advances in legislation, the effective implementation of inclusive policies remains a challenge and the issue of multiculturalism is central to debates in the country on development, identity and rights.

Interculturality, pluriculturality and transculturality

In addition to the concept of multiculturalism, there are other concepts linked to the complex processes of cultural integration. They are: interculturality, pluriculturality and transculturality.

• Interculturality . It is the interaction and dialogue between different cultures, in search of mutual understanding, respect and reciprocal learning.
• Pluriculturality. It is the recognition and celebration that social identity is made up of cultures of different origins, traditions and ways of life.
• Transculturality It is the process through which cultural elements from different origins are merged and new cultural identities are created.

References

• Hernandez, EA (2024). Multiculturalism, multiculturalism and interculturality. An approach to their meanings. Inclusions Magazine11(1).
• Vázquez, H. (2015). Multiculturalism/pluriculturalism. Critical reflections. Department of Social Anthropology. University of Rosario. https://rephip.unr.edu.ar
• Villodre, B and Del Mar, M. (2012). Pluriculturality, multiculturalism and interculturality, knowledge necessary for teaching work. HEKADEMOS, 1(11), 67-76.