Multiculturalism - Social Structure in India | NABARD Grade A & Grade B Preparation - Bank Exams PDF Download

Introduction

Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of various ethnic groups alongside mainstream society, celebrating their diverse cultures, experiences, and traditions. This concept gained traction due to large-scale migration from Third World countries to First World nations, fostering a multicultural society in the West.

As former colonies built economic and political relationships with Western nations, migration for education and job opportunities transformed the socio-political and demographic landscape of host countries. Initially a theoretical framework, multiculturalism emerged as a movement in countries like Canada and Australia before spreading to the USA, UK, and Germany in the early 1980s, influencing public school curricula in America.

Understanding Multiculturalism

In the aftermath of America’s civil war and the Harlem Renaissance, immigrants from Asia, Africa, and other Third World countries began to assimilate into American society, embracing its melting-pot ideology. This shift paved the way for a multicultural society in America, where immigrants of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds settled with new perspectives and commitments.
The term “multicultural” encompasses individuals from various religions, races, languages, and traditions, fostering coexistence and appreciation of different cultures. It goes beyond mere coexistence, emphasizing the richness and value of diverse cultures. Multiculturalism symbolizes a society composed of people from different cultural backgrounds, promoting the importance of all cultures within a community.
Scholars like Terence Turner, Bhikhu Parekh, and Tariq Modood have offered insights into multiculturalism, viewing it as a response to the dominance of a single culture and advocating equal rights for all cultural groups. Parekh emphasizes the need for equal rights for every cultural group, while Modood positions multiculturalism as a mode of integration grounded in democratic values.
The roots of multiculturalism can be traced back to the mid-eighteenth century, with German critics advocating for the recognition of cultural diversity and its harmonious existence within society. Historians like Herder and Ranke highlighted the distinct and heterogeneous nature of cultures, each with its own values and traditions, contributing to the idea of societal progress.
Peter McLaren’s perspective on multiculturalism through critical pedagogy identifies various political positions within multiculturalism, including conservative, liberal, left-liberal, and critical multiculturalism. In the contemporary postmodern world, multiculturalism is viewed as a means to address issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality, reflecting the ongoing struggles for identity in an ever-evolving global landscape. Migration continues to reshape cultures, contributing to a dynamic multicultural environment and shifting the focus from monocultural assimilation to multicultural coexistence.

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence and appreciation of diverse cultures within a society. It involves the inclusion and recognition of various cultural, ethnic, and religious groups, promoting their rights and encouraging mutual respect. This concept emerged prominently in the post-Civil War society in America and gained traction in the late twentieth century.
Multicultural adaptation occurs when migrants bring their cultural identities to a new host land, leading to the creation of a hybrid or melting pot culture. This process is pluralistic, allowing immigrants the freedom to embrace and integrate multiple cultural elements. The encounters of different cultures foster acceptance of diversity and differences, emphasizing that all cultures deserve equal respect.
The growth of multiculturalism is facilitated by migrant communities settling into new environments and gradually merging their cultural identities into daily life, aiming for assimilation into the host society. Historical movements such as the civil rights and feminist movements in America and Europe played a crucial role in supporting this growth.
Multiculturalism is not merely about acknowledging commonalities among people but recognizing and valuing the differences that define individual and collective identities. It aims to build bridges among various cultures, promoting collaboration and communication to enrich society as a whole. This perspective allows ethnic groups and individuals to preserve their cultural identities while expressing their views freely, striving to overcome racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.
Countries like Canada, the United States, India, and Australia exemplify multicultural societies where people of different religions and cultures coexist. However, multiculturalism is not solely about providing equal rights to minorities; it involves establishing proper terms of relationship between different cultural communities, focusing on how they resolve their differences. This concept has evolved into a theoretical framework adopted by many western nations to address cultural diversity, influencing countries worldwide, particularly in the Third World.

Forms of Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism can be understood in two broad ways: descriptively and normatively.

• Descriptive Multiculturalism: This form refers to the presence of cultural diversity within a society. It acknowledges and describes the various cultures coexisting in a particular context, highlighting the reality of multicultural existence.
• Normative Multiculturalism: In contrast, normative multiculturalism encompasses ideologies that endorse and promote cultural diversity. It goes beyond mere acknowledgment and advocates for the principles and practices that support and enhance multiculturalism.

By understanding multiculturalism in these two ways, one can grasp both the factual existence of diverse cultures and the ethical imperatives that encourage the maintenance and improvement of cultural diversity and minority identities.
In his article "The Multicultural Framework," Rajeev Bhargava discusses the conflict between normative and descriptive multiculturalism. He identifies three moments of conflict within multiculturalism: 
(a) Particularized Hierarchy: This concept involves a dominant community exerting superiority over other communities, maintaining cultural differences through a superior-subordinate relationship. 
(b) Universalistic Equality: Here, equality is upheld by disregarding cultural differences, focusing instead on individual status and community membership. 
(c) Particularized Equality: This moment acknowledges differences among people while emphasizing equal membership within specific cultural groups and the relationship between different cultural communities. 

Bhargava concludes that egalitarian multiculturalism is essential, where every member of a cultural community is recognized independently, and no member is considered subordinate based on class. Ashok Chaskar, in his book "Multiculturalism in Indian Fiction in English," outlines various forms of multiculturalism: 
(a) Democratic Multiculturalism: Recognizes cultural diversity and aims to resolve conflicts through dialogue, emphasizing social heterogeneity, diversity, and freedom. 
(b) Conservative Multiculturalism: Less accommodative than other forms, focusing on preserving cultural integrity. 
(c) Liberal Multiculturalism: Emphasizes individualism while downplaying issues of identity and belonging, advocating for the natural equality of diverse cultural communities. 
(d) Critical Multiculturalism: Advocates for positive socio-cultural transformation and equal representation of race, class, and gender in the public domain. Overall, multiculturalism addresses issues of belonging, identity, recognition, and the need to maintain differences while allowing immigrant groups to practice their own culture, customs, and beliefs regarding food, dress, and religion. It is a framework for understanding and expressing identity in a culturally diverse society.

Emergence of Multiculturalism as an Accommodative Philosophy

Multiculturalism is seen as an accommodative philosophy because it embraces the coexistence of various cultures within a society, allowing individuals the freedom to express and practice their own cultural identities alongside the host culture. This approach aims to prevent conflicts between conservative and radical viewpoints by recognizing the value of diverse cultures, religions, festivals, and traditions.
Democratic countries, where individuals are granted rights such as the freedom to practice their chosen religion or culture, are often the settings for multicultural societies. These societies promote the presence of ethnic minorities and foster multi-ethical harmony. Multiculturalism aligns with national identity, tolerance for cultural diversity, and globalization, addressing issues related to identity, culture, religious practices, and public consciousness.
The integration and assimilation of migrant communities into the host community, along with the provision of basic civil rights and the freedom to maintain religious and communal identities, are fundamental aspects of a multicultural society. It represents an individual struggle to forge an independent identity, especially in the context of postcolonial demographic changes where people from various parts of the world, particularly Third World countries, migrate to First World countries in search of better opportunities.
In multicultural societies, differences in cultures are viewed as stemming from a shared appreciation for culture's importance, highlighting the need for cultural diversity and the acknowledgment of various cultural contributions to the societal fabric.

Multiculturalism in the West

Origin of Multiculturalism:

• Multiculturalism gained prominence in the 1990s as a response to the discrimination of minority cultures in Europe and America.
• Initially, it aimed to protect and promote cultural diversity and resist monocultural ideologies.

Shift from Monoculturalism to Multiculturalism:

• Monoculturalism, which emphasized a single dominant culture, was prevalent in the 19th century, particularly in the United States.
• The ideology of the “melting pot” emerged, suggesting that immigrant cultures would blend and assimilate into the dominant American culture without state intervention.
• This period saw significant migration from Third World countries to the US, where immigrants were encouraged to adopt American values and abandon their native cultures.

Resistance and Change:

• The forced assimilation of minority cultures faced resistance, leading to the Civil Rights and Countercultural movements of the 1960s.
• These movements challenged the dominant ideology and advocated for a new approach to cultural integration.

Transition to Integration:

• The concept of “salad-bowl” integration replaced the “melting pot” ideology, recognizing the distinctiveness of different cultures while promoting their integration into the host society.
• In this model, various ethnic and immigrant communities retain their unique identities while contributing to the overall character of the society.

Post-World War II Transformation:

• The transformation in Western societies after World War II, including the decline of European empires, the rise of US dominance in the global economy, and increased global migration, facilitated the development of multicultural societies.
• The Black struggle against white racism in the US and the integration of South Asians and Commonwealth immigrants in Britain during the 1960s were pivotal in this shift.

Official Adoption of Multiculturalism:

• While the US and Britain embraced multiculturalism in the 1960s, it became official policy in many Western nations in the following decades.
• Countries like Canada (1971) and Australia (1973) adopted multiculturalism to integrate immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Multiculturalism as an Accommodative Philosophy:

• Multiculturalism is seen as an accommodative philosophy that allows for the coexistence of multiple cultures within a single society.
• It emphasizes integration over assimilation, allowing immigrants to maintain their native cultures while adapting to the host society.

Over time, the concept of multiculturalism has evolved significantly. In the 1950s, multiculturalism was based on the idea of "live and let live." By the 1980s, it had shifted to a softer form of multiculturalism focused on acceptance and equal rights. Today, multiculturalism is more about actively promoting and elevating religious and ethnic identities.

However, in the past twenty years, multiculturalism has become a contentious issue, facing criticism from various quarters. The initial attempts to assimilate diverse cultures into a single society proved challenging, as merging culturally distinct immigrants into Western culture was difficult. Simultaneously, the process of integration faltered because the host society was also undergoing changes. Multiculturalism is, indeed, a two-way process. In some instances, the majority has been reluctant to embrace assimilation and integration, while minorities may resist becoming part of the majority.

It would be inaccurate to declare multiculturalism a failure. Instead, it has the potential to thrive by adapting to evolving circumstances.

Multiculturalism as an Ideology

Multiculturalism, as an ideology, focuses on various important issues, including:

• Identity: How individuals and groups define themselves within a diverse society.
• Culture: The role of different cultures in shaping society and their rights to exist and thrive.
• Rights: The rights of individuals and groups within a multicultural framework.
• State and Community Relations: The relationship between the government and various communities within the country.
• National Identity: How national identity is constructed in a multicultural context, considering the contributions and presence of various cultural groups.

The Question of Identity: 
Scholars of multiculturalism are currently focusing on the issue of identity. Identity refers to an individual's sense of attachment and belonging to a specific group, community, state, or nation. The fundamental components of identity construction include culture, religion, race, ethnicity, region, and language. The identity associated with belonging to a political community or citizenship is known as national identity.
In multicultural societies, individuals possess multiple identities: the cultural identity of their community and the national identity based on their citizenship. Rajeev Bhargava, in "The Multicultural Framework," highlights the significance of identity in multicultural societies. He discusses the need for a stable identity, the role of cultural communities in fulfilling this need, the connection between identity and recognition, the importance of cultural belonging, and the desire to preserve differences.
Bhargava also addresses the challenges related to multiculturalism, such as the ease of excluding people based on cultural identity in a multicultural society, the weakening of societal foundations by the basic concept of multiculturalism, and the potential erosion of liberal democratic values by granting equal rights to oppressive cultures. He advocates for democratic multiculturalism, which recognizes the importance of cultural identity, the need to maintain differences, and the idea of bringing these differences into the political sphere. However, he also warns against over-politicization and conflicts, suggesting the need for a politics of mutual detachment in certain cases. Balancing democratic multiculturalism with elements of liberal multiculturalism is essential to maintain harmony among diverse cultures.

The Challenge of National Identity:
The issue of national identity has also drawn the attention of multiculturalism scholars. Benedict Anderson, in his book  Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism  , views the nation as an imagined community. He argues that while nation-states are considered "new" and "historical," the nations they represent have deep historical roots. Anderson emphasizes that this image of the past is crucial to the subjective understanding of the nation.
National identity often prioritizes a single viewpoint, making other perspectives seem inferior. When these opposing views are highlighted, they are labeled as "others" and delegitimized. This aspect of national identity creates societal divisions by elevating a particular race or religion while diminishing others.
Claims of national identity are typically based on factors such as territory, religion, language, culture, and region. Some groups within a nation assert their own sovereign status and distinct national identity, while others strive to merge into a singular national identity. Hence, it is essential to differentiate between national identity and citizenship identity, the latter of which should be inclusive of all individuals regardless of their national identity.
Recognizing differences and multiple identities does not contradict national identity. In fact, many societies consist of individuals and groups with diverse identities, which can exist in multiple layers. There can be synergies between national identity and identities rooted in an individual’s religion, culture, language, or ethnicity. National identity can only be established when a nation-state acknowledges and respects the cultural identities of its people, as individuals often resonate more with their cultural identities than with the broader national identity.

Relationship between State and Identity: 
In his 2002 article, "Is There a Case for Multiculturalism?," Valerian Rodrigues argues that multiculturalism fundamentally changes the role of the state. Rather than simply acknowledging differences, the state is called upon to actively sustain them. Multiculturalism opposes state-sponsored identities because such imposition undermines the authentic constitution of the self. It also rejects the erasure of identities. Multiculturalism is an invitation to dialogue, recognizing that our knowledge and understanding are limited by our cultural and community boundaries. Engaging in active dialogue with other communities and identities is essential to transcending these limitations. This dialogue may give rise to new communities, including those with multiple identities.
In a society with diverse cultures, a multicultural approach reshapes issues like the uniform civil code and demands for new, independent states. A multicultural state can only be built when the state identifies and provides procedures for promoting the distinctiveness of identities within its boundaries. The model of multiculturalism suggests that in such a state, multiple identities will coexist in the public sphere, each vying for prominence in language, religion, culture, and status within the boundaries of law and administration.

Relationship between State and Community:
The connection between the state and various communities is essential for understanding the multicultural policies of that state. Sarah Joseph, in her article, “Do Multicultural Individuals require a Multicultural State?” argues that the discussion on multiculturalism has often overlooked the social and economic disadvantages faced by minority groups. Factors such as caste, gender, or class are integral parts of an individual’s cultural identity. For a society to be truly multicultural, its members must also embody multicultural values.
In another article, “Of Minorities and Majorities,” Joseph contends that multiculturalism reflects a nation-state’s policies towards its minorities. A multicultural state is characterized by efforts to ensure individual rights and recognize the existence of minority communities. Addressing the issues of minority communities within a multicultural framework requires a politics of difference that enhances minority rights. However, if this politics of difference is not accompanied by a commitment to equal rights, it could lead to the suppression of cultural minorities. To be genuinely multicultural, a state must aim for objectives such as freedom, equality, and respect for the contributions of minorities to a shared national culture.
In contrast to Sarah Joseph’s emphasis on minority rights, Gurpreet Mahajan (1999) critiques the concept of minority rights. She argues that the notion of minority tends to fix identities and obscure the internal differences within communities. Mahajan believes that minority rights, which emerged with the formation of the nation-state, not only curb the homogenizing tendencies of the state but also empower minority communities. This has, in turn, limited the state’s capacity to establish equal rights for minorities and legitimized the politics of difference.

Individual Rights vs Community Rights:
There is a debate in multicultural theory about individual rights and community rights. Social scientists believe that the state should be based on a single set of fundamental principles, have an identical legal system, provide equal rights to all citizens, and recognize the diverse religions, cultures, and ethnic identities within its borders. Bhiku Parekh disagrees with this view. He argues that the dominant theory of the state is not suitable for a diverse society. According to him, it is unfair to treat different communities with different needs in the same way. Therefore, he suggests that multicultural states should provide both individual and community rights to ethnic minorities. Gurpreet Mahajan supports this idea by saying that multiculturalism acknowledges the existence of collective identities within ethnic communities. In a multicultural state, individuals belong to both a political community and a specific cultural community, so their dual identities should be recognized.
The discussion above reflects multiculturalism as an ideology that values cultural diversity. It envisions a society where different communities develop a common identity while preserving their unique cultural identities. Multiculturalism not only accepts the existence of diverse communities but also promotes positive values for the collective identities of ethnic and minority communities. It encourages policies that allow citizens to maintain their cultural distinctiveness and fosters relationships within a community.
Bhikhu Parekh, in his book Rethinking Multiculturalism: Cultural Diversity and Political Theory, explains multiculturalism as an ideology that encompasses the beliefs and practices through which a group of people understands themselves and the world, organizing their individual and collective lives. He identifies different forms of multicultural society, including:
(i) Sub-cultural diversity, where people share a broad common culture.
(ii) Perspectival diversity, representing a vision of life either rejected or accepted by the dominant culture in theory but ignored in practice.
(iii) Communal diversity, preserving and transmitting established communities along with their ways of life.

Parekh emphasizes three central insights into multiculturalism:

1. Human beings are culturally rooted, growing up and living within a culturally structured world.
2. Different cultures represent distinct systems of meaning and visions of the good life.
3. Every culture is internally plural and reflects an ongoing conversation between its various traditions and strands of thought.

A culture cannot appreciate the values of others without first recognizing its own internal plurality. From a multicultural perspective, a good society celebrates diversity and encourages creative dialogue between different cultures.

Diaspora and Multiculturalism

The narratives of diaspora that recount the past experiences of immigrants reflect the condition of dispersal, its challenges, and justify aspirations to retain distinctiveness from locals. They indicate a commitment that goes beyond boundaries and establish a principle of 'dual homeness'.

Dual homeness refers to a collective identity in the local environment, intensified by a sense of belongingness. This concept is particularly relevant for new immigrants in Western societies, which are major poles of attraction for immigrants from third world countries. In first world countries, many welfare rights are provided to new immigrants, easing their requirements to imitate the dominant culture. Diasporas are thus inclined to settle in localities where new immigrants are mitigated by the old diaspora, which is familiar with the dominant culture and society.

The ease of transport and communication with the homeland and fellow immigrants allows immigrants to maintain diasporic fidelity in the host land. However, to secure their future and that of coming generations, immigrants also try to acculturate into the host society. This process includes adapting to the new ways of life, learning a new language, and ultimately obtaining a new national identity, which becomes their primary identity, while the homeland's identity is reduced to secondary.

Multiculturalism: Meaning, Forms, and Ideology

Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence and recognition of diverse cultural identities within a society. It emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity, where multiple cultures are not only accepted but also celebrated and integrated into the social fabric.

The unit delves into the concept of multiculturalism, exploring its definition, historical emergence since the 1960s, and its role as an accommodative philosophy and ideology. It examines the relationship between state and identity, community rights versus individual rights, and the impact of diaspora on multiculturalism.
Multiculturalism, as an ideology, is closely linked to the idea of identity. National identity, in particular, plays a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the state and its citizens. The state often promotes a specific national identity, which can influence how communities and individuals are perceived and treated. This relationship is complex, as different communities may have varying interpretations of national identity, leading to potential conflicts or synergies.
The state also interacts with communities in multifaceted ways. While some communities may enjoy a privileged status or special rights, others may face restrictions or challenges. This dynamic can impact the overall social cohesion and harmony within a multicultural society. For instance, certain communities may have the right to practice their cultural traditions freely, while others may need to navigate legal and social barriers.
Furthermore, the balance between individual rights and community rights is a critical aspect of multiculturalism. In some cases, individual rights may take precedence, ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities and protections under the law. In other instances, community rights may be prioritized to preserve and promote specific cultural practices and identities. This delicate balance is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance among diverse communities.