Pluriculturality

We explain what multiculturalism is, what its characteristics and examples are. Furthermore, its relationship with multiculturalism and interculturality.

What is multiculturalism?

Pluriculturality or cultural pluralism It is the cohabitation of different cultures, ethnicities or peoples in the same territory sharing a historical and political future, and constituting the same national totality.

It is about the existence within the same nation of diverse cultures that are integrated in different and unequal ways, developing complex ties among themselves and forming an extremely diverse whole.

A country can be called “pluricultural” when it has a history of intense cultural mixtures that determine its current society. This is the case of Latin American countries, whose cultural identity is composed of an integration of European, Native American and African cultures.

Unlike multiculturalism, which simply recognizes the presence of diverse cultures, pluriculturalism has an approach based on interaction, dialogue and mutual respect between the different cultures that coexist in a society.

Characteristics of multiculturalism

Pluriculturality is characterized by the following:

• Diversity. It consists of the recognition and coexistence of different cultural groups in the same territory and the same political order.
• Stake. The national dominant culture integrates different aspects of cultural roots, without being exempt from discrimination, tensions and other similar problems.
• Integration. It implies the existence of exchanges and communication between different groups. Although each group maintains its cultural identity, all are connected by different political, economic and social practices.

Expressions of multiculturalism

cultural pluralism can be expressed in different cultural references such as language (linguistic pluralism), religion (religious pluralism) or food (gastronomic pluralism).

In a multicultural society, the various cultural manifestations are accepted to a greater or lesser extent as “own.” However, these expressions are not necessarily at the same level and there may be cultural and social tensions, forms of discrimination and cultural struggle. These frictions are part of the country's culture, and often determine its laws and political direction.

See also: Cultural manifestations

Examples of multiculturalism

The following are some examples of multicultural societies:

• Mexico Mexican society institutionally celebrates its multiculturalism. Your nation is made up of a great cultural diversity, which integrates groups of indigenous, mestizo, European, African and Asian origin. Currently, it recognizes the existence of 68 indigenous groups, each of which maintains its own language, customs and traditions.
• Trinidad and Tobago. Like other Caribbean countries, the society of this country is shaped by the integration of different ethnic and cultural roots, a product of European colonization, the importation of African slaves and the subsequent immigration of Asian workers.
• Bolivia. Bolivian society is made up of different indigenous ethnic groups, such as the Aymaras, the Quechuas and the Guaraníes, among others. Each of them has its own language and identity.
• China. In Chinese society, a set of cultural groups have coexisted since ancient times, such as the Han, the Zhuang, the Manchu, the Uighurs, the Tibetans and the Mongols, among others. Currently, China officially recognizes the existence of 55 ethnic minorities, each with its own culture, language and traditions.

Pluriculturality, multiculturalism and interculturality

Pluriculturality, multiculturalism and interculturality are three related concepts, but they have different meanings.

Regarding pluriculturality and multiculturalism, their main difference is in the degree of integration and interrelation between the different cultural elements that make up society.

• Pluriculturality A pluricultural society is made up of more or less integrated cultural groups, with reciprocal relationships and links, and that make up a larger national identity.
• Multiculturality A multicultural society is made up of different cultural groups that remain separated and divided in social and political practice.

For its part, the concept of interculturality does not describe a specific form of society, but rather focuses on how different cultural groups interact that integrate it. In this case, it is about analyzing the negotiations and cultural exchanges and the recognition of the asymmetric relationships that may exist between these groups due to their political, economic or social influence.

Pluriculturality in Mexico

Since 1992, the Mexican nation recognizes itself as a multicultural country (as established by the current Constitution), since within it different indigenous nations coexist that have achieved different levels of integration into the dominant culture.

With this gesture and with the efforts to preserve native languages ​​in schooling (such as Nahuatl or Mayan), the Mexican State established some policies aimed at rescuing its cultural heritage and promoting tolerance and respect for the different cultural groups that make up it. the society.

References

• Hernandez, EA (2024). Multiculturalism, multiculturalism and interculturality. An approach to their meanings. Inclusions Magazine11(1). https://revistainclusiones.org
• 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. HEKADEMOS1(11), 67-76.