Multiculturalism: Core Ideas & Principles (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

The core ideas of multiculturalism

• Multiculturalism is a political ideology that recognises and values cultural diversity within society

• Multiculturalists argue that individuals and groups derive their identity, dignity and sense of belonging from their culture

  • These differences should be acknowledged rather than ignored or suppressed

• As a result, multiculturalism focuses on ideas such as recognition, minority rights, cultural identity and diversity, and how societies and states can accommodate difference while maintaining social cohesion

Politics of recognition

• Politics of recognition refers to the view that cultural, ethnic and religious differences should be formally recognised and respected by society and the state

  • This recognition affirms identity, dignity and equality for individuals and minority groups

For multiculturalists, the politics of recognition means

Respect for difference

• Societies must acknowledge and value cultural, ethnic and religious diversity

Identity affirmation

• Recognition supports individual and group self-worth

• This affirms equal dignity

Formal equality

• Recognition allows for formal equality

• This refers to the legal and social equality of all members of society

• Minority groups should have equal recognition of their:

  • languages

  • traditions

  • institutions

• These have often historically not been respected

Combating marginalisation

• Recognition reduces marginalisation of minority groups

Civic participation

• Recognition promotes participation in civic life

• Participation fosters further recognition

Key thinkers

Charles Taylor

• In The Politics of Recognition, argued that misrecognition is a form of oppression

• Claimed recognition is essential for personal and cultural identity

Isaiah Berlin

• Recognised the value of pluralism

• Argued there is a moral need to acknowledge diversity

Will Kymlicka

• Argued for group-differentiated minority rights

• Claimed these are necessary for full recognition and civic participation

Culture and identity

• Culture and identity refer to the way shared values, beliefs and practices shape an individual’s understanding of who they are and their sense of belonging within society

For multiculturalists, culture and identity mean

Foundation of identity

• Culture forms the foundation of personal and social identity

• This is crucial to understanding who someone believes they are

Shared values

• Communities may share values beyond geographical boundaries

• These include:

  • language

  • religion

  • customs and traditions

Community cohesion

• Shared cultural values can result in collective belonging

• Culture provides a sense of:

  • belonging

  • security

  • social cohesion

Self-expression

• Individuals express identity through cultural practices and lifestyle

Potential for division

• Culture and identity may also create division within society as well as belonging

Key thinkers

Charles Taylor

• Argued that personal identity is shaped by recognition within a cultural context

Bhikhu Parekh

• Advocated understanding and respecting the norms and values of different groups

• Argued this strengthens society

Tariq Modood

• Argued that cultural identity is necessary for belonging

Minority rights

• Minority rights refer to the legal protections and special measures required to safeguard minority groups from discrimination and exclusion within society

For multiculturalists, minority rights mean

Legal protection

• Minority groups should have legal protections specific to their needs

• These protections safeguard against discrimination and exclusion

Group-differentiated rights

• Minority rights may differ from the rights of society as a whole

• This is generally viewed as positive, provided such rights do not clash with broader societal rights

Cultural protection

• Minority rights may include support for:

  • languages

  • traditions

  • community institutions

Fairness and inclusion

• Rights aim to achieve fairness and prevent marginalisation

Self-governance and special measures

• Some minority groups may require:

  • self-governance

  • special political or legal measures

Positive discrimination

• Minority rights may involve positive discrimination to overcome historic discrimination

Key thinkers

Will Kymlicka

• Differentiated between individual rights and group-differentiated rights

• Argued group-differentiated rights are necessary for minorities to be treated equally

Charles Taylor

• Argued for equal dignity

• Claimed there is an ethical imperative to recognise and support minority groups with equal rights and protections

Diversity

• Diversity refers to the existence and recognition of multiple distinct cultural groups within society, which multiculturalists see as a defining feature of modern, globalised societies

For multiculturalists, diversity means

Cultural pluralism

• Society contains multiple distinct cultural groups

• This is increasingly common in a globalised world

Social cohesion through acceptance

• Social cohesion can be achieved through acceptance of diversity

• When managed inclusively, diversity strengthens rather than weakens society

Cultural enrichment

• Exposure to diverse cultures enhances:

  • creativity

  • knowledge

• Schools, workplaces and the media should reflect and accommodate diversity

Shallow diversity

• Diversity is tolerated

• Minority groups are still expected to conform to dominant societal norms

Deep diversity

• Greater recognition of cultural difference

• Cultural differences are encouraged and embedded within a national framework

Key thinkers

Bhikhu Parekh

• Argued that diversity enriches democracy

• Claimed diversity encourages social learning

Will Kymlicka

• Argued minority protections preserve diversity within liberal frameworks