Theories of multiculturalism
Theories of multiculturalism Multiculturalism is the way in which a society deals with cultural diversity, both at the national and at the community level. Sociologically, multiculturalism assumes that society as a whole benefit from increased diversity though the harmonious coexistence of different cultures. Based on the underlying assumption that members of often very different cultures can coexist peacefully. Multiculturalism is one of the most controversial ideas in contemporary politics. The two primary theories or models of multiculturalism as the manner in which different cultures are integrated into a single society are best defined by the metaphors commonly used to describe them—the “melting pot” and the “salad bowl” theories. The Melting Pot Theory Most of us are familiar with the metaphor for America as a “melting pot.” People from countries all over the world come together here to form one nation where we are all Americans. Our diverse backgrounds, cultures, and relig...