MULTICULTURALISM

DEFINITON

DEFINITION

A society marked by the influence of several distinct cultures

Why have multicultural societies developed? International trade Mass immigration (the USA) Forced immigration ( the slave trade) The fall of the British Empire-

immigration from Commonwealth countries

Post- war economic recovery- import/ immigration of foreign workers

refugees

Globalization: definition The set of processes that have led to

a more interconnected and multicultural world

Examples of these processes Work Migration between nations Financing of training and export of

highly skilled workers from the 3d world

Looking for a better life

Illegal immigration has led to Strengthened Border control Forced deportation Refugees from unstable regions No social, political and economic

practises to help How might this affect the West,

which is now the least homogenous area of the world?

Multinational companies- how do they affect local bus.? They buy up regional and national

businesses Other effects?

Multicultural societies and new technology Instant exchange of information and

ideas now possible between ordinary people

Effect?

Multicultural or McWorld+

Important questions: The effects of globalization? Individual national cultures soon

extinct? Americanization?

The role of consumerism

Consumerism is the real power of globalization

What signs are there of diversity in buyer habits?

Sony, Nokia, Adidas are popular brands- not all products are American

Can you think of other examples?

The English language and influences of multicultural. Local languages are blending with

English and developed into new forms x Creole

English is the lingua franca of the world

English blends with native languages- ”the julekalender” =) for personal communication

Cultural codes- a multicultural comm.industry to help avoid misunderstandings in negociatons etc.

How to enhance a multicultural identity? Challenges: Assimilation through school/classes

with the intent of producing a brand new culture unique to the new young society (melting pot)

Small ethnic communities may lead to social conflict betw ethnic neighbourhoods, troubles btw the immigrants’ home countries might also be continued – x Chinatown

The USA- the situation today Like a salad bowl, all the ingredients

are mixed, but separate Ethnic diversity is usually

encouraged in multucultural societies. Why?

Returning to the traditons of one’s ancestors to find a unique cultural identity. Examples?

Immigrant cultures tend to influence host cultures more than vice versa- Examples?

Poles in England

Challenges in the multicultural society Immigrants need to become more English? Host countries need to adopt immigrant

traditions? Making the multicultural society into a unity

with equally important sub-cultures?

Main problem in multicult,societies: Finding the best way to encourage diversity

without causing ethnic segregation Promoting cult identity through laws or

changes in attitude is difficult

What does it mean to be British? Tests for citizenship to make immigrants

adjust better Not accepted as full citizens, even after

generations Immigrants must face assumptions of

belonging to the country of their ancestors, (especially visible minorities)

As mixed race people are fast growing in number their cultural identity is becoming harder to identify by typical features a 100 years ago

The post multicultural world Third cultures Culture of the ancestors mixed with the

culture in which they live VERY individual; each 3d culture individual

is the sole resident of her own culture Future? Perhaps a post- ethnic world where

culture is based on personal definition and choice, rather than smth one is born into

In short: each individual is truly unique!

South Park Video American history.docx