Introduction
Multiculturalism is the practice of recognizing the existence of diverse ethnic and cultural groups in the society. This means that the various ethnic differences between various kinds of people and also religious differences do not determine how people are treated in a specific place. Therefore, it means that, multiculturalists promote equality among all people regardless of their culture or religion. Multiculturalism enables people of different cultures to live peacefully and hence they are able to express their potential to the society. Therefore multiculturalism contributes to the development of the society or nation because when all people are treated equally their self esteem is boosted and hence they become more motivated. Multiculturalism was practiced in many western countries. Historically, multiculturalism came to circulation in Canada and Australia in the 1970s.
It was a government policy which was to assist in the management of many ethnic groups in these countries. This issue of multiculturalism has been supported and embraced by other governments in the world as a progressive political imperative. This ensures that the ethnic and cultural identity of individuals is safeguarded thereby instilling a sense of belonging in these individuals. For example, in 1980s came to public use in America after the school curriculum was criticized for being Eurocentric.
Benefits of multiculturalism in the society
One of the major benefits of multiculturalism in the society is that it promotes democracy. According to Volkmann, multiculturalism promotes good leadership in the society. This is because democracy is used in the process of electing leaders. Therefore, the elected leaders are chosen by all the groups because every individual in the society as the right and the responsibility to vote. The leaders then feel obligated to be responsible for political and moral leadership. In addition, multiculturalism in the society ensures that all the citizens have the right to use the public goods such as education, health centers and security. The leaders also have the responsibility of providing and serving the society with their requirements. Therefore, multiculturalism ensures that power is balanced among the different cultures because all cultures participate in national decision making and also in politics.
In addition, multiculturalism helps to eradicate poverty in the society. This is because all the citizens have a right to own property and hence the gap between the rich and the poor in the society is reduced. When all tribes are treated equally and there is no superior tribe than the others, it encourages every individual to work hard. This is because their self confidence is boosted and hence it leads to economic growth and development. Multiculturalism also ensures that all the citizens’ benefits from the taxes they pay through the social amenities. Moreover, when there is equality in job opportunities, the society develops because all tribes are eligible to the available opportunities. When the qualified are given the priority to work, the level of production increases due to the promotion of organizations efficiency. In addition, when the professionals work in an organization the quality and quantity of the products increases and hence the profits increase. Poverty is also eradicated when there is equality in development such as in roads and electricity because they promote production in various industries especially those in the rural area.
R.I.C. Publications noted that different cultures promote economic growth and they bring various skills, technologies and understandings which are different. Multiculturalism also leads to the expansion of trade links of a country with the other countries in the world and hence international trade is promoted. The growth of international trade leads to economic growth because the countries are able to export and also import. This is possible because the immigrants from different cultures maintain their relations with their native countries and hence promotes trade. Multiculturalism also leads to development in other areas such as in technology.
Multiculturalism also leads to establishment of other religions, and business ventures that were not there originally. For example, Australia is one of the countries that have many immigrants from all over the world. These immigrants in Australia established the various faiths and beliefs. They introduced businesses that were not there, introduced other verities of sports such as; basketball and football. In addition, the immigrants lead to the expansion of the international trade opportunities because of their relations with their countries of origin. Therefore, multiculturalism in the society led to society growth and development.
Multiculturalism in education is of great importance to the society, because it enables the learners to appreciate and acquire knowledge about the other cultures in the same social and political framework. When the individuals from all cultures are educated, domestic labor force increases. When labor force is increased the level of production also increases as well as the quality and quantity because of the availability of professionals. In addition, increase in the level of production, contributes to economic growth and development. When employment opportunities are provided for people from all cultures, government finances increases because more taxes are collected from the citizens. In education, multiculturalism increases the relevance of the contents learnt in school.
In addition, multiculturalism promotes unity and peace in the society. This is helps to safeguard the society against racism and eliminates cultural imperialism. In addition, multiculturalism helps to eliminate cultural chauvinism. Racism in the society leads to differences among the citizens and hence causes tribal crashes. Ethnocentrism, leads to hatred among individuals of different cultures. Violence in the society is therefore eliminated by encouraging multiculturalism in the society. Unity and peace in the society, promotes economic growth and development.
Conclusion
Multiculturalism benefits a society in so many ways. One of the major areas that multiculturalism benefits the society is through economic growth and development. People from various cultures lead to the development of trade links with their countries of origin and hence promotes international trade. Through international trade the country‘s GDP increases due to increase in exports. Multiculturalism also leads o development of science and technology because people come with their skills, knowledge and understanding and when an opportunity to invest their skills and knowledge is provided, it contributes to economic growth and development. In addition, multiculturalism in education increases the relevance of contents learnt in class. This is because it helps learners to understand, learn and appreciate the other cultures.
In addition, multiculturalism in the society promotes peace and national unity among the citizens. This is because it discourages racialism, Ethnocentric and cultural chauvinism. Moreover, it helps to eradicate poverty and promote cultural democracy. Multiculturalism helps to promote self confidence and a sense of belonging among the individuals. Therefore, due to the benefits that multiculturalism has to the society the governments should promote it by establishing departments that deals with the immigrants and the refugees.
Reference List
- Book C, Primary society and environment, New York, R.I.C. Publications, 2004.
- Khalil, M, Arab educaton in Israel, Syracuse University of press, 1978
- Kivisto, P, Multiculturalism in a global society, Wiley-Blackwell, 2002.
- Vollman, R, A, Elizabeth A. and McFarlane Judith, Canadian community as partner: theory & multidisplinary practice, New York, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.