2) Multiculturalism, interculturality
f) Multiculturalism vs multiculturalism
It is important to distinguish the phenomenon of multiculturalism from the idea of multiculturalism.
Multiculturalism, as a socio-cultural phenomenon, refers to minority and cultural diversity within a larger political, imperial or national entity.
The idea of multiculturalism is intended to promote successful coexistence in a large, complex society, based on the principle of equality between ethnic and cultural groups, resulting from the encounter of peoples/peoples of different cultures.
Franz Boas is credited with defining the concept of cultural relativism, according to which cultures are shaped according to the needs of the societies that bear them, are unique and are best suited to the community in which they are found. Each culture is valuable in its own society, unique, incomparable, and can only be understood in its own socio-historical context. It follows that there are no inferior or superior cultures, so it is impossible to compare or rank them.
g) Definitions of multiculturalism
According to Ildikó Mihály, “the concept of multiculturalism….. implies mutual coexistence and understanding between different cultures living in the same society”.
Multiculturalism is also referred to as “diversity policy”, which is not the same as pluralism or the protection of religious or ethnic communities , although it focuses on the importance of identity and community, it does not consider them to be worth protecting.
It is defined by many as a ‘chameleon-like’ political concept, because it means different things to different people: for some, it means recognising the existence of other cultures, for others it means state support for other cultures, and for others it means opposition to the assimilation of racial, religious or national cultures into a nation. In fact, it has one sure point, an expectation of sensitivity to others. Multiculturalism aims to re-educate and transform Western society.
It has also been called an equality of cultures in the 80s and 90s, whereby the dominant culture should not oppress the others. Today, denying the equality of cultures is an accusation of racism, and legislation and public institutions must protect all “culturally recognised behaviour”.