Multiculturalism - Research Proposal Example

Multiculturalism Introduction The aspect of multiculturalism has received a considerably high level of importance in society today. This refers to the diversity of two or more cultures in the same region or country. Today, the world experiences the highest level of globalization, thus people from different cultures have been forced to interact and live together. For this reason, multiculturalism remains an important aspect in the 21st Century. Purpose of the proposal This proposal explores the aspect of multiculturalism and its importance in society today. This proposal will first explore the meaning of multiculturalism. This is important, as different people have assigned meaning to this term, based on different principles. However, it will be core to understand multiculturalism as being grounded in the phenomenon of diversity. Statement of the problem Different people have varying perceptions of different phenomena in society. These tend to either agree or disagree, or like or dislike a phenomenon, based on their attitudes and perceptions. This also applies to the aspect of multiculturalism. Multiculturalism remains a controversial issue in many regions, including Canada. While some people consider it negative, some view it as positive. Nonetheless, the importance of multiculturalism is quite evident, thus it is important to explore the evidence that show that multiculturalism is important in society. Thesis Statement/central argument A key argument in this proposal is that multiculturalism is a good thing in society, and so people need to embrace and develop this phenomenon, in order to realize development in various aspects of their lives and country. Methods and procedures In order to provide evidence to support the argument in this proposal, the method of literature review will be utilized. In this method, evidence will be drawn from past literature, which has focused on multiculturalism, as well as how this is important for the realization of development in the life of an individual, and in society as a whole. Evidence and sources that will be used to support the argument The sources used will be drawn from various journals. Journal articles are authentic, thus reliable for supporting major arguments. Additionally, these provide valid information, which is also reliable and can be used for reference purposes. In total, seven journal articles will be utilized. These are published in various journals, and focus on the issue of multiculturalism. Using these sources will help to support the argument that has been advanced in the proposal. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY Bryson, B. (2002). Working definitions: Educational organization and the meaning of multiculturalism. The International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 22(1-3), 175-207. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/203706390?accountid=45049 This article presents study findings on the emerging definitions of multiculturalism. In order to explore the existing meanings of the term multiculturalism, the author of this article engaged in a study, which involved seventy-six English professors in four US universities. Findings of the study indicate that all the professors defined multiculturalism, based on the principles of their departments, and not political convictions. The author developed four major categories of meanings from the response obtained from respondents. These include canons, value, diversity, and pedagogy. This journal article provides a good start to the proposal, specifically with regard to understanding of the term multiculturalism. Before exploring the importance of multiculturalism, it is important to first have a clear understanding of the term. Although the article provides various categories of the definitions of multiculturalism, the category of diversity best suits the definition, as per this proposal. Mitchell, K. (2004). Geographies of identity: Multiculturalism unplugged. Progress in Human Geography, 28(5), 641-651. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/0309132504ph510pr In this article, the author explores the aspect of state-sponsored multiculturalism and assimilation, and how these are gaining importance in various countries today. The author considers multiculturalism in various countries today, as key and conceptual political tool. Overall, this journal article focuses on the importance of multiculturalism, with regard to political sphere, which is key in social as well as economic development of a country. The author of the article considers multiculturalism as policies and philosophies, which relate to a particular mode of immigrant incorporation, as well as rights of minority groups in society to state recognition and protection. From this, it is evident that there is a positive relationship between multiculturalism and development. While multiculturalism is important to immigrants, it also has a positive influence on a country as a whole. Therefore, multiculturalism helps a country to achieve diversity, which promotes civil competence and development. Rodríguez-garcía, D. (2010). Beyond assimilation and multiculturalism: A critical review of the debate on managing diversity. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 11(3), 251-271. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12134-010-0140-x This article reviews and examines major arguments in the debate regarding assimilationism and multiculturalism. The author proposes an interculturalist model of socio-cultural incorporation, which reconciles cultural diversity with social cohesion. The author explores this in the context of European and American case. Nonetheless, the major argument in this article is that a more cohesive, albeit plural, and civic community can be realized if support is given to diversity in the framework of social justice and political equality, and if all members of a community, irrespective of their cultures, are allowed to participate in public space. This journal article contributes to the body of evidence that supports the argument in this proposal. Since the author supports multiculturalism as being key to a cohesive and civic society, this shows that multiculturalism has a positive influence on society. Nonetheless, for any kind of development in a country to occur, there must be a high level of cohesion, which in this case is obtained when multiculturalism is embraced. Pitcher, B. (2009). The global politics of multiculturalism. Development, 52(4), 456-459. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/dev.2009.58 In this article, the author supports multiculturalism for various reasons. Overall, the author argues that multiculturalism helps to eliminate racism in society. He does this by providing evidence from the European and western contexts on how the adoption of the multiculturalism framework has been imperative in initiating a new perception toward race and racism. An observation made by the author is that most social actors and institutions today advocate for anti-racist orientation to the politics of race, and this is achieved through the adoption of the multiculturalism framework. This article is relevant to this proposal, as it shows the positive influence of multiculturalism in society. The aspect of racial discrimination does not support multiculturalism. Additionally, racial discrimination leads to underdevelopment, as not all individuals from different cultures in a country will be allowed to participate in development process. Therefore, since the author of the article argues that multiculturalism helps to eliminate racism, it then becomes evident that multiculturalism promotes development, and is positive in society. Song, S. (2005). Majority norms, multiculturalism, and gender equality. The American Political Science Review, 99(4), 473-489. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214413512?accountid=45049 In this article, the author explores the influence multiculturalism has on gender equality. Although there have been controversies on this relationship, the author manages to show how multiculturalism promotes gender equality in a country. Some scholars have linked multiculturalism with gender inequality, but the author of this article proposes different ways through which multiculturalism can be embraced to promote gender equality. The article shows the potential of multiculturalism to promote gender equality. For a fact, gender equality is core to development in any country. This is because it allows both men and women to participate equally in the development process in their country. For this reason therefore, the article is relevant in supporting the claims made in this proposal. Howarth, C. & Andreouli, E. (n.d). ‘Has multiculturalism failed?’ The importance of lay knowledge and everyday practice.” Retrieved from http://www.lse.ac.uk/socialPsychology/faculty/caroline_howarth/Howarth-and-Andreouli-paper-FINAL.pdf In this paper, the authors identify multiculturalism as a heavily debated topic. Although there are various controversies, which are linked to multiculturalism, the authors point out that multiculturalism, apart from being a demographic issue; it has an impact on intergroup relations, as well as political participation in the modern democracies. Additionally, although critics of multiculturalism argue that it leads to social fragmentation and inequality, the authors also identify the positive influence of multiculturalism as leading to equality and social recognition. Equality and social recognition in a country is key to harmony, cohesion, and development. Therefore, basing on the arguments of these authors, it is possible to support the claims in the proposal. Hyman, I., Meinhard, A., & Shields, J. (2011). The Role of Multiculturalism Policy in Addressing Social Inclusion Processes in Canada. http://www.cmef.ca/Portals/7/The-Role-of-Multiculturalism-Policy-in-Addressing-Social-Inclusion-Processes-in-Canada.pdf The authors of this article focus on the role of the multiculturalism policy, which was introduced in 1971, in Canada in creating a society that is more inclusionary. They discuss whether this policy in Canada should move beyond focusing on the integration of marginalized population groups to addressing broader social inclusionary processes, which influence nation building. The authors also argue that the multiculturalism policy plays a role in the elimination of racism. They also focus on how the multiculturalism policy can support the process of social capital, which promotes inclusion and shared identity. Overall, the article identifies the role that the multiculturalism policy has played in Canada, and proposes ways through which its role can be enhanced. The multiculturalism policy is grounded on the phenomenon of multiculturalism. Therefore, this article is highly relevant, as it provides a practical example of where multiculturalism has been applied, and the positive outcome. Therefore, this is useful as a source of evidence to support the argument that multiculturalism is positive, and promotes development in a country. Kymlicka, W. (2012). Multiculturalism: Successes, failure, and the Future. Migration Policy Institute. Retrieved from http://www.migrationpolicy.org/pubs/multiculturalism.pdf In this report, the author supports multiculturalism, and challenges various criticisms that have been directed to multiculturalism. This report also documents the success story of Canada in its utilization of the multiculturalism policy. The article also addresses the failures of multiculturalism, and proposes ways through which these could be strengthened. Furthermore, this explores the future state of multiculturalism, basing on its present state. Overall, this is a great resource for supporting the argument in this proposal, as it is provides intensive information, and explores multiculturalism from both the negative and positive side, yet maintains that in spite of criticisms, multiculturalism remains imperative for the development of any country. Read More